Website Creation!

Aim: To design and create a website for a specified customer.

Objectives: 

Complete designs for the website for a specified customer.

Start creating a website for a specified customer that shows examples of good practice.

Hi all,

Monday it is again and I knew today would be a bit rougher than usual as I am diving out within my comfort zone of Web Development. Upon coming into class today, we continued our work as usual but with no starter. For my U20_A3T1 all I had remaining was to create a second flowchart and pseudocode - I wanted this to be a contact/order form which Zoë had promised to help but had lost the tutorial file due to the unexpected data corruption. I decided to work independently and "wing it", I did this by accessing information from w3schools and creating a form in HTML. An hour later, this worked magnificently well but I was starting to come across some issues. Just then, Matthew T told me that a bootstrap form existed therefore I immediately changed/scapped my design as bootstraps are much more efficient. Although it is all new to me, I learnt a bit more of bootstrap and adapted their examples to re-create my own. By the end of an hour, I managed to create a contact form that asks for personal details as well as providing a message area. I played around with the different attributes the code handles and fiddled with its properties.

Bootstrap Form by Danny Chan

It is not until later I struggled to create a validation. Ultimately, this is because a validation already exists on bootstrap. Although this may seem like a waste of time, it was actually the opposite because I now have created a form which I can copy and paste when I begin designing my website. Furthermore, instead I decided to create a simple flowchart and pseudocode for when the user's mouse hovers over and image, thus enlarging it. As I have already covered this, I was able to take the practice I did and replicate it into my assignment, this was a strength. From all of my coding experience, my weakness is definitely related to speed as I require time to understand and learn the language's nature.

Soon later, Zoë went through with the class about good practices in web coding. Examples include: Comments, Variable Names, CamelCase, Syntax and White Spacing/Lines. These are all methods in which helps improve readability for the code. With logic, it is obvious that one piece of code you understand may be hard to understand by another. In the end, having good practice in coding will allow easier maintenance and sustainability. This has later helped me as it was taught last year.

As I have completed U20_A3T1, I have began to make my website in U20_A3T2. I need to include a lot and like a perfectionist, the amount of content and elements required to input can be overwhelming. However, I took a step back and started to take things slowly (like baby steps, my friend taught me). I began by creating the structure of the HTML document once again and eventually made my way through to linking the CSS file and adding a background I made in Photoshop. In the image shown below, it may look like a random image but it's meant to represent phoenix's eyes only. I used a variety of pre-set Photoshop brushes then changed the blending options to create this effect. In the end, I have implemented this but I may change it if it brings obstacles.

Phoenix Games' Background by Danny Chan

As I won't be in tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday due to centre training day, I have reflected upon my work and created some goals. Taking my work home, I will try to progress through the webpage to at least create the "skeletal" structure. In addition, I will also continue my art as usual. For reflection of today, I believe I have finally jumped over the big obstacle which was to "get started" and code things I wasn't particularly good at - my determination and curiosity pulled me through. Another weakness I had was getting past to stop feel bad. I occasionally make mistakes and it can sometimes linger on my chest for a very long time...

That's it, see you Friday!

Strap the Boot?

Aim: To design a website for a specified client.

Objectives:

Create all screen designs for the website for a specified client.

Create at least one design for a script to be included on your website.

Create detailed ways of how CSS will control your layout.

Understand how to make a responsive website.

Heyo,

Coming into college on a Friday morning sure is as tiring as Mondays. Zoë started off the day with countdown (oh the nostalgia). Although it was letters and numbers, it was surely fun though next time we could gather some paper and probably try do some more working out to go more in-depth like John and Adam did. Next, Zoë recapped the task again, this is because there's quite a bit to cover and we must make sure we meet the checklist. On my behalf, I cracked on with the assignment and immediately added annotations/comments on my future CSS layouts, this is so I understand why I used particular properties and values (this was also recommended by Zoë).

Afterwards, the real work began, leaving the JavaScript code aside I pushed onto making a flowchart on Photoshop. This took longer than expected due to perfectionism (yep, it's a thing). Sometime later, I was able to construct a flowchart using correct symbols. I exported the image and imported it into my U20_A3T1 document, where I annotated my reasoning. Then I copied over the actual HTML + JavaScript code and recreated a pesudocode version of it. I was proud of it and was on the roll to completing the second and final flowchart/pseudocode. However, an issue arose when I struggled to find the code for creating a form. This is because Zoë hasn't gotten around to it, therefore I will reattempt another time. My strengths here was the ability to adapt to things I've learnt and reapply it to my studies, whereas my weakness would be the struggle to learn something entirely new within a click of a finger.

Flowchart of Prompting by Danny Chan

Pseudocode of Prompting by Danny Chan

Whilst I was in the working zone, I moved onto the resubmission from U20_A1 and went through the changes needed. I started off by correcting the grammar and spelling mistakes, then I went through the comments as they are more time consuming. This process took approximately around an hour; I'm relieved it was done and resubmitted as that's another to-do checked off the list!

Returning back to class after lunch, everyone started to drain out. It must be the "Friday-Feeling" kicking in once again. However, Zoë pushed us (positively) and told us to look at Bootstrap. Essentially, it is a framework that implements HTML, CSS, and JavaScript together as one. I read through each page via w3schools slowly, mentally making notes such as "I could come back here and take *this* code here for my future webpage design". It was super interesting, I even gotten around to checking its examples and played around with the pre-made classes.

Today I have decided to stay in until 4pm as I have decided to get a bit more work done and therefore spend more time doing my art at home. I have pro-actively used this time to ask Zoë for anything I am unsure of and further work on U20_A3T1 as it is very near completion.

That'll be it for this week - just a quick reminder, the centre will be closed the coming Thursday therefore I will only be coming in for two days next week, is that good? Probably.

Deeper Matrices!

Aim: To design a website for a specified client from Zoë.

Objectives:

Understand the importance of design documentation.

Know what design documentation is required when creating a website.

Create a suitable house style for a stated website.

Create some screen designs for a stated website.

Decided what interactivity to include in the website. 

Create flowcharts and pseudo code for a stated website.

From Tuesday and Wednesday, Sami H and I worked hard all day on both the Merit and Distinction of U20_A2, we eventually submitted and even completed the maths homework for Emily S.

Entering college, we firstly did the weekly Thursday quiz I made over the week, the video was about how too many rules at work can affect the productivity at work. For this, I had made 11 questions with 11 marks in total and as I watch my peers answer the quiz, it was quite amusing and entertaining. Afterwards, a lot of people got around five marks but it resulted into Jordan making the quiz for next week whereas the winner was Alex S with eight marks. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the quiz although it was time consuming to make.

For the starter of the lesson, Zoë recapped U20_A3T1 once more to remind us for what we need within the task of the assignment. I was already aware of what we need, therefore we cracked on with our work. I started off by writing out how my CSS would control the layout of the webpage I will be making. This includes coding out various elements such as a body, heading, logo, images, links, and more! Furthermore, I also began to create the flowchart for the different types of scripts I will be implementing into my webpage - one of the scripts I wanted to make was a dialogue box to prompt to the user when the page loads and asks for their name. If a name is entered, it would welcome the user, else it would call the user an anonymous user.

To create this concept, I referred back to the old scripting examples Zoë did with us a while back, and attempted to adapt this in Notepad++ and run in Chrome. In the end, it got to near completion and the fundamentals of the flowchart began (in Photoshop). Soon later, Zoë came over and helped people around check the things we still need to do. She also came over and helped me with my assignment, stating which parts needs changing for future resubmission. This was useful because I had got stuck back at home. By the start of Lunch, that was Zoë's part of the day and thus we were handed over to Emily S.

Aim: To understand matrices, find inverse/transposes, identify operators and perform the elimination process.

Objectives:

Multiply two matrices. (P3)
Recognise that matrix multiplication is not commutative.
Find the inverse and transpose of a matrix. (P4)
Be able to identify the 4 row operations.
Recognise the identity matrix.
Perform Gauss - Jordan elimination.

After Lunch, I handed in the homework to Emily S. The homework was about adding, subtracting, and multiplying matrices. It even had a part in constructing a matrix and stating the dimensions of it - for that part I had to ask a friend who knew about matrices. Throughout the time we spent with Emily, we dived into matrices even deeper. This included learning how to multiply two matrices together. It was not as simple as I thought because multiplication for matrices is not commutative, meaning AxB does not equal to BxA, it only works one way only. As more and more examples were provided, I managed to grasp the concept with Jordan B and Matthew T. However, we also needed to cover additional things such as row operations and the elimination process by Guass and Jordan. Today has been a hectic day, but all of the information lingering on my mind shall we absorbed soon.

Reflecting on today, there wasn't many weaknesses I showed on my behalf. The only ones I could identify are that I require many examples in order for me to grasp the concept in my mind. On the other hand, my strengths has been able to work efficiently as stated by Zoë. In addition, my inspiration has been Jordan B and Matthew T because they have a strong determination in the maths lessons, which makes me have an interest in being able to understand more (therefore I will improve by doing the non-compulsory worksheet Emily S set for us).

My day has went extremely well today. My personal goals for today is to complete furthermore of U20_A3 as well as my personal art work. I am also looking forward to the new art club starting tomorrow at Develop!  

Planning & Designing Websites!

Aim: To be able to create website designs for a stated customer.

Objectives: 

Understand the importance of the design process.

Explain what documentation is required.

Explain the purpose and create the navigational diagram for a stated website.

Create the house style for a stated website.

Create a screen design for a stated website.

Returning from a mega-busy weekend, I have managed to complete the entire pass-criteria section of U20's second assignment, remaining with the merit and distinction criteria. In addition, I have also completed Emily's maths homework and have revised a bit around matrices.

So coming in on a Monday morning, I quickly sat down and proceeded with A2. However, a little later Zoë stopped us began to explain the principles of the third and last assignment, task one. This was all about creating a website for a company named Phoenix Games. For the starter, we were split up to discuss different documentation methods that are required and then give feedback to the class. As I worked with Matthew T, Chris M, and Edward L, our findings were design brief (purpose), navigational diagram of the webpage, screen designs, house style, CSS layouts, flowchart, and pseudocode. I had found the starter activity's procedure to have been flawless, however I felt the group was too big. This is evidenced as half of the group participated little to none. Zoë then went through these documentation methods in a bit more detail with a PowerPoint and had thus, given us some more activities.

One of these were to create a flowchart of a user filling out a feedback form and sending it as an email. The conditions said that if all the fields are not filled in, it would prompt the user to redo the form. Until the condition is met, the email would not be sent. For this I had used Photoshop's shapes features to create a flowchart easily. The next activity was to take one of the code's we have customised in our JavaScript examples and convert the scripting language to pseudocode. Pseudocode was relatively easy because it is essentially every day English combined with simple programming/coding-synonyms. I managed to convert a confirmation box. For these independent activities, I found it easier overall because we had learnt this last year throughout majority of the units such as programming (flowchart and pseudocode) and animation (design brief).

Flowchart by Danny Chan

JavaScript Converted to Pseudocode by Danny Chan

After all this, the real assignment began! I created a new word document and immediately typed away (more succinctly). Furthermore, using Photoshop I was able to firstly create a navigational diagram - this is a visual representation of how a user would access other pages within the same website. It also shows the structure and how things are connected. Next, as the client's (Phoenix Games) webpage requires five individual pages, I have created five separate onscreen designs: homepage, about page, product page, order page, and contact page. I have approximately adapted the same house style to all pages for a consistent theme and design.

Website Navigational Diagram by Danny Chan

House Style Design by Danny Chan

Implementing it into word document, I annotated my choices and moved onto explaining how my CSS would appear as. Just as I was getting into it, I was disrupted by Catherine (thank God), she took me, Liam B and another girl from Level 2 downstairs for a photo-shoot. Extremely proud and honoured to be on the front future prospectus! After returning to class, the day was ending and therefore I have started to pack up and plan my work.

Reflecting through today, I have found that my only weakness was partially unconfidence in my own decisions. Though this trait is not bad because I ask Zoë about anything I am unsure of. On the other hand, my strengths was to quickly grasp the work and work through it. There wasn't any inspiration, but compulsorily it would be myself as I am believing that the designs I do for the website will turn out all OK, despite my experience of coding is not particularly professional, I am willing to learn.

For the next two days I am off, I will be working on the second assignment primarily to get it done and submitted for Wednesday. If I have any spare time, it would all be devoted into a bit of my art and a bit of the third assignment. 

Interpreting Scripts!

Aim - To be able to understand the fundamentals of JavaScript - improving functionality and how browsers interpret scripts.

Objectives from Zoe:
Can create some simple interactive elements from given examples using JS scripts.
List different ways that JS can be used to improve functionality.
Can briefly explain some different ways that JS can be used to improve functionality.
Can describe the advantages and disadvantages of JS interactive elements.
Understand that not all browsers support client side languages.
Know at least one method of how browsers can interpret scripts.

*Briefly explain the methods of interpreting scripts.
*Describe in detail the methods of interpreting scripts.

It's Friday!

Recovering from yesterday's bad luck day, today has been a really positive one! Firstly, for the starter of today we continued to work into the first lesson on experimenting different ideas for JavaScript. This included 'onmouseover event', 'prompt' and 'alert'. From the beginning, this has been a little bit tough because learning JavaScript from scratch would take long, therefore jumping into a new language would naturally take time to get used to. However, now that I have done research not only on the characteristics, but also the constructs of JavaScript, it has allowed me to understand more of the syntax. In addition, Jordan B (18th birthday boy) and Matthew T has been helping me. For this part of the activity, my strengths were to quickly grasp the understanding of these simple interactive elements, but my weakness was me making small typo mistakes - which JavaScript cannot interpret. My inspiration has been Jordan B once again as he excels in scripting knowledge.

Ideas for JavaScript in Notepad++

Next, Zoë went through the remaining assignment two of unit 20 with us; this was the merit and distinction part. For the merit, we looked at different ways scripting languages can be used to improve functionality of a webpage and to the user. Zoë split up all of the functionalities and delegated one topic to a pair of two. I decided to work with Adam M and we were assigned to research about 'checking and validation'. Throughout this pair work, we discovered what it is, how it is used, how it is useful, its advantages and its disadvantages. In year 10 and 11 GCSE, I have done a bit on validation and this is greatly related to this piece of work, allowing me and Adam M to ace it completely - including the discussion in class. Returning to topic, checking and validating is essentially the method for when the user is prompted to fill out e.g. a form or search bar, the input the user gives are checked and validated against the database (generally server). To sum up the advantages, it is convenient and allows more accurate retrieval of information from e.g. customer data. On the other hand, the disadvantages would merely be client-side risks such as security issues. As time passed, we all made notes on a table and would need to go in depth when we write about this in our assignment two.

Before we had lunch, Zoë went through the distinction criteria of the task. This is when we need to understand that not all browsers support client-side languages as different browsers would have different versions, ultimately leading to some being supported and some being incompatible. A famous example would be the terribly used Internet Explorer (bless). With independent research, I was able to highlight out the negative impacts of using browser detection and the benefits of using object detections. The two terminologies mentioned above are both methods used in order to solve the issue of some browsers unable to interpret scripts. Although browser detection is useful, it is a poor way of ruling out which browser is to be displayed and which isn't as newer browsers are always developed and smaller obscure ones are on the roll. On the other hand, each browsers contain specific objects and these objects can be used to help identify if the scripts are compatible for read. The latter is the beneficial one which I will expand on in my assignment, due in for Wednesday.

After lunch, I have spent the time independently working on the assignment casually. I managed to complete and proof read the characteristics of a scripting language (JavaScript) and have even provided explained examples. In addition, just to throw it out there I also did some matrix calculations at home last night.

My personal goals for the weekend are to work my way throughout the assignment and get to a good position that I can continue on Monday onwards. I have to also start working hard on my art as time flies! Anyway, see you on Mondeh.

Scripting Matrices!

Aim: To understand the fundamentals of scripting languages.

Objectives from Zoe:
All: List some of the JavaScript constructs.

Most: Briefly explain some of the JavaScript constructs e.g. loops, making decisions, properties and methods.
Most: Be able to work out practical examples involving JavaScript constructs with some help.

Some: Describe in detail some of the JavaScript constructs.
Some: Be able to work out practical examples involving JavaScript constructs without help.

Objectives from Emily:
Recognise features of a matrix.
Construct a matrix .
Construct a matrix from given equations.
Understand the link between matrices and computer programming variable arrays.
Be able to draw a matrix.
Preform basic addition and subtraction of matrices.

Hello!

Before beginning the day, I will briefly mention that myself and Sami H has begun the pass criteria for the second assignment of Unit 20. We did not complete it, but we got ahead and that will allow us to possibly focus more time on other topics such as constructs. Overall, this morning had a bad start and it impacted me slightly throughout the morning (my laptop's hinge decided to break), then almost arriving 1 minute late to class (phew).

We started off with the weekly Thursday Quiz. For the first quiz, it was a video of a man at Ted talk who talked about using motion sensation device. The video was very interesting and he seems like a pioneer in the world of technology, however the video was too long to make notes on (12 minutes), this led to my downfall as I couldn't type as fast as the video played. In addition, the questions were very visual rather than factual. This made me lose, but however it would be a nice change to make the quiz for next week.

Afterwards, Zoë gave us a recap of all JavaScript characteristics and constructs. Today I was more focused because I was aware I needed to understand all of this. We covered various elements such as loops, conditions, if and if else statements, and functions. For each one, after the explanations we were given pre-made exercises to practice on w3schools. From the beginning, I was stuck on each subject but eventually made by way through with the help of Matthew T and Jordan B. Now I have a better understanding and would be able to slowly progress further.

For today, we have maths for the last lesson/part of the day as it is scheduled every Thursday. This means we are doing our blogs for Zoë earlier than usual. With the time before lunch, we all practised even more JavaScript constructs by following a worksheet Zoë gave to us. My strengths for this is my speed at learning - despite not knowing much regarding scripting languages, I was able to grasp it with a few examples provided. On the other hand, my weaknesses was mainly due to the topic being completely new from scratch. There was also distractions as people moved seats but I used music to concentrate more. My inspiration for today has been Jordan B because he was confident in his knowledge of the topic.

After lunch, we had a new Maths teacher, Emily S. She is a university graduate and this shows she is suited to the task and thus, we begun Unit 26 - Maths for IT Practitioners (doing two units at once!) At the beginning, we played some MineSweeper, I realised the maths behind it is indeed related. it was quite nerve racking because I had the impression it'd be intense geeky maths. However it was not so bad, despite everything I learnt today was new. We learnt about the relationship between normal arrays in computer programs and matrices, along with its advantages and disadvantages and some neat definitions (we created a glossary). We did practical sheets and Emily had thoroughly explained to us all we had to know. Due of this, we even had a head start on an assignment and was even handed homework - first piece of legitimate homework since Year 11.

Today has been a rough day, but I am starting to feel better as it progressed. My homework for today is to complete the homework Emily had set (before I forget), continue and finish the merit criteria for a particular assignment of Unit 26, continue the work Zoë covered for the pass criteria in unit 20, and of course continue my art as usual. I have learnt a lot today, and it is sure going straight into my basket.

Scripting Languages!

Aim: To understand the fundamentals of scripting languages

Objectives:

All: Explain basic details about scripting languages e.g. uses in web pages, examples of languages, how to implement.

All: Be able to list some characteristics of scripts.

Most: Be able to understand and briefly explain what is meant by the following terms: object orientated, event handling, methods , implementing scripts, hiding scripts from older browsers, and security issues.

Most: Be able to list some constructs of JavaScript.

Some: Be able to understand and describe in detail what is meant by the following terms: object orientated, event handling, methods , implementing scripts , hiding scripts from older browsers, and security issues.

Some: Describe some constructs of JavaScript, including practical examples

Yo!

First day back in the second week of college and I am ready to learn, ever since I have spent over six hours Skyping with Sami H to complete the first assignment of Unit 20. This has given us an incredible boost, and as a result I had John proof read my work very quickly in his free time, resulting in very few minor grammar alterations. John also sent us some hologram videos, which highlights the fact that technology is going upwards to kill some time whilst Zoë had some matters to attend.

At the start of the day, everyone began typing away instantly trying to get the first assignment completed. Throughout this period I have invested the time into getting a few bits and bobs done, this includes: changing my password, changing some Google Docs spreadsheets settings (notifications), starring the mark grid, creating a favicon for my blogger, proof reading work, and in general just read ahead for the next assignment - which I read about .asp scripting languages on w3schools, luckily I have found this an alright task to understand.

Eventually, Zoë began to cover the pass criteria for the second assignment, which was about the basics of scripting languages - this is essentially the way in which the user can interact with the webpage, e.g. animations, search bar, and more! We also briefly covered different examples of various scripting languages, such as JavaScript and C++ etc. Then she explained the different types of characteristics for the language. I have understood the functions and purposes behind the theory, however it is not until later I got stuck.

After Zoë started to identify and explain to us about constructs of the scripting language, that is when things started to get difficult. This is because we had to understand examples of scripting code. Although it is basic, my weakness floated to the surface as I cannot interpret it without logical explanations. Fortunately, Zoë took her time and explained to this me - especially for loops. Later on, just when my head was about to explode into smaller matters against the wall beside me, Catherine called me and we had a one on one talk about some paperwork and my future choices/path.

There, I told her all of my issues regarding universities. These issues are quite simple and therefore it was answered fairly quickly, nothing to worry about! Although Catherine has set me a new task to research upon (regarding the issue), I now have nothing to fear about and will happily continue the things I am doing. This is of course studying this course as well as continuing my art in order to prepare for my future portfolio.

For today's reflection, I have realised that I work incredibly hard at home as well as in college, my strength. This is proven when I am able to complete and hand in assignment 1 with Sami H. However, it has a drawback and this is straining my eyes and lowers my hours of sleep, which isn't healthy. On the bright side, because I have completed the first assignment (and have submitted it to Zoë), I am able to take some time off tomorrow and Wednesday... but knowing me, I will begin the second assignment and do more art!

For this unit, my inspiration has been Sami H. He has been helping me and vice versa via our long Skype calls. It is obvious that I motivate him to work hard but in return, he also does the same to me. I hope I can Skype him more often and maybe become working buddies! And oh, today myself and Euan J got the blog star of the week! I appreciate my tutors reading my blogs without falling asleep. I am now just typing away to waste your time whilst you cannot take your eyes off of this sentence because your curiosity gets the best of you. I promise there will be something interesting after this sentence!

I love cats. See you Thursday!

Cascading our Style Sheets!

Aim: To understand the fundamentals of CSS.

Objectives:

All: Explain what CSS is and its importance.

All: State the different ways CSS can be implemented.

All: State what a selector is.

All: List at least two types of selectors.

All: State what the Box Model is used for.

Most: Describe the different ways that CSS can be implemented.

Most: Briefly explain at least one type of selector.

Most: State the various parts of the box model.

Some: Describe in detail how CSS is implemented.

Some: Describe in detail at least two different types of selectors.

Some: Describe in detail about the box model.

Konnichiwa.

This morning, we have had the entire day downstairs because another class of Level 2 are having their induction day. Going back to our old classroom brought a lot of nostalgia, but I decided to have a change and sit with Adam M and Sami H to my left and right. The first thing we did as a class was to submit in our websites we were assigned to finish for homework. For creating the website, me and Sami H has spent several hours Skyping to experiment around with HTML and CSS in order to create a near replica of the website. The end results were quite close and satisfying.

Website by Zoe

Website by Danny Chan

After this, the entire class had to get a new copy of the SoA - Scheme of Assessment (renamed from SoL - Scheme of Learning) because there has been some recent changes. Whilst doing this, we took the opportunity to complete the initial survey of the unit. There, I have stated that I was unconfident in certain areas, however, like at the end of all units, I believe I will be able to become confident over the next few weeks.

Moving from the normal business, Zoë set us an activity where we need to identify the hierarchy of CSS within HTML, these are inline, internal and external. We did this by linking all three types of CSS implementation methods into the HTML and run the webpage to see which one responds first. At the end, I have learned that inline CSS comes first, followed by internal and external last. This must logically be because CSS within HTML are quickest to read and access by the computer. Adding further to what I have learnt, I learnt that inline are CSS directly within the HTML tags, whereas internal are in the header section of the document, and external being a normal .CSS we have always used.

We also did another productive activity where we were split into groups of three. Groups were assigned different types of CSS Selectors and had to create a Word Document/PowerPoint presentation for class discussion later on. Selectors are essentially methods in which content are selected from the HTML and customised using CSS. Myself, Sami H. and Jordan B had to present 'ID Selectors'. This was incredibly easy as me and Sami H often use this in our coding.

Then we had lunch. Lunch was fascinating because me and Adam M played DJ Hero again, this has really brought back memories with the new Level 2's watching us. It reminded me of when we were Level 3's watching the old Level 3 Extended student's playing. Anyway, we had a good rest and exercise as we have also played a bit of football.

Making it back on time to the lesson, Zoë then covered the Box Model. These are the positioning and formatting of the webpage, including: margin, border, outline, and padding etc. All of what Zoë explained has been useful as these information are directly related to the first assignment we started in the unit. I created a word document and began typing away - already half way done! Since this is due for Wednesday, I am planning to finish off the work from home. I am also needing to quickly finish off some art homework my private tutor set me. The first week of college has been promising, and somewhat difficult as I am getting used to this incredibly tiring schedule. However, I will adapt!

Until Monday! See you. 

Beginning of U20 Client Customisation of Web Pages!

Aim: To be able to create a web page using HTML and CSS.

Objectives

All: Complete pre-unit survey.

All: Copy folder structure into own area.

All: Create the content of a web page using HTML.

All: Use CSS to create basic styles for the web page.

All: Write a blog entry about today.

Most: Created a web page using HTML 5 and at least two different CSS positioning styles.

Some: Create a professional looking web page using HTML 5 and a variety of CSS positioning styles.

Hello!

Today the first thing we did when we came to class was to sign several sheets, these includes varies policies and profiling identity etc... essentially paperwork. Afterwards, Zoe instantly began covering the introduction of the new unit to us (U20 Client Customisation of Web Pages) - she did this by explaining the different learning objects to us. I learnt that we will not only be doing HTML, but more of an in-depth CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and Scripting Languages. This will be a challenge and acts like a "next level" from last academic year.

After copying the new folder structures of the new units, an activity that was given is to create and replicate a website Zoe had already provided for us. At the beginning, things were relatively easy because I remember the basics of HTML - this was my strength of the task. However, things started to get tricky as soon as I entered the CSS stage, this is because I am not so experienced in this field and have forgotten quite a bit - this was my weakness. To improve, I will be revising over some coding and completing the website over the days I am outside of college to hopefully achieve a near replica. (Using websites such as w3schools). 

My inspirations for getting the website done are from my previous achievements. I believe that if I was able to create a fully-functioning webpage in the last academic year, I would be able to do the same here. However, the only differences are that this time I have to make a website that already exists, rather than choosing my own design style. This creates limitations for me as I have to use codes I've never used before, but I am willing to learn them. Other inspirations are other students in my class who has extensive intellect in this field.

Today has been a short day overall because we are about to go to NUA (after this blog) Norwich University of the Arts in order to taste their new VFX Course. Though I have no or little interest, Catherine said it's a good reason to get out. For a personal reflection, I believe I will nail the the theory and written work, the only weaknesses I have identified myself having are the ability to create a full replica of a given website simply due to my lack of coding knowledge.

See you all Friday! I will not be here on Thursdays because of the first week change - I shouldn't be here today, but we had switched with another class. My usual time tables are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; expect my blogs on those days. :)

Edit: Updated blog after the new VFX taster course at Norwich University of the Arts.

Spending around 15-20 minutes walking, we reached NUA and met up with Tori Helman. As we waited for everyone else's arrival, I took this opportunity to ask some itching questions that was burning on my chest. I got some really nice answers back and to update her, I told her about my progress since the portfolio talk back in March. Looking back now, I really do see that I've come a long way but there is still much more to go! Sometime later, we walked into a room where Tori presented us an overview with what NUA has to offer, and again, the Games Art & Design course catches my eyes the most. Afterwards we met up with another man (whose name I've forgotten) and he gave us a taster session for their new course, VFX (visual graphics and effects). He showed us various clips from how they are used in movies to everyday television advertisements and entertainment. It has made me realise that it has a strong connection with Games Art & Design. The good thing about this is that I would like to also apply to Hertfordshire as one of my choices - where their course' first year offers us a range of design variations from Animation to Games Art to VFX etc, then allowing us to choose our own directions for year 2 and 3. This means I can make less mistakes. Nearer the end of the session, we played around on Photoshop and messed with layers, trying to re-create what VFX designers would usually do. It was a lot of fun, and was challenging. At the end of the day, I have benefited from this because my questions were answered and my confidence rose.

My homework I have set for myself are to finish the website activity Zoe gave us to the best of my ability. I will also be completing my art homework my private tutor had set me, and also personally mess around on digital graphics designing in my free time. In addition, I will be completing some commenting work Catherine set all of us.

Danzio's Final Retun!

Objectives:

All: Discuss key skills and personal attributes.

​All: Agree to follow Develop's procedures whilst training​.

All: Created a new Blogger account and emailed blog address to extlevel3@developebp.co.uk.

All: Write a blog entry about today.

Most: Effectively and professionally complete all relevant paper work first time. 
Most: Created customised blogger account and emailed blog address to extlevel3@developebp.co.uk in a suitable email.

Some: Investigate personality profiling.

Konnichiwa! (Hello!)

Today is the first day back at Norwich Develop, where I have begun my final year on BTEC Level 3's Extended Course. In this induction day, the tutors have touched upon varies subjects that I am interested to share with you. The first noticeable change within the building are its improvements, such as: furniture, decoration, spaces, movement+management, and even security. These new changes and ideas are most likely taken from the discussions myself and other class representatives had last year. I am glad our experience has been heard and combined into a method in which Pete, John and many other people have been working on to improve the environment. Catherine has also given me my certificate and I am happy to have finally achieve a statement that states my grade, D*D*.

When we moved into our classroom upstairs, we have brand new and huge monitors, keyboards and desks. This refreshing improvement has no doubt increased my attitude to work, because I feel as if the surroundings are fit for purpose. Moving onwards, Catherine went through varies slides highlighting the importance of our student timetables, student attendance policy, and who Develop are overall (a 'non-profit' organisation). There was an issue where most students could not login, but thankfully John and Pete has fixed this quickly!

Next, we had Adam and he wanted to get to "know us better". He did this by holding a group discussion where we talked about "personality profiling". This is literally about what reflects us as an individual, whether it be about our character traits or our attitude and behavior to e.g. learning. In addition, Adam gave us a skills assessment sheet where it asks us questions that will allow us to identify appropriate jobs, best learning style, major strengths/weaknesses, and stress busters. After this process, we found out that the questions isn't vast enough and cannot fully represent us, causing limitations. As a result, Adam sent us to a website called 16personalities. It holds a complex questionnaire that asks questions about ourselves. After submitting our answers, it gave me a delicate and fully accurate representation of who I am from another point of view. According to the website, I am an 'INFJ - introvert advocate' and it's pretty self-explanatory. Interested in learning more about myself, (such as: strengths/weaknesses, character traits, relationship and dating, friendship, parenthood, career paths, workplace habits and a conclusion) I stayed in for part of my lunch to do so.

After socialising at lunch, Catherine begun to discuss with us about our alternative options after our further studies/education hear at Develop. Things mentioned includes: further education, higher education, apprenticeships, trainee-ships, gap years, and full-time employment. We filled in a progression plan where I listed positives and negatives of each route that I can take. I am certain higher education is the way to go but I still have insecurities within a few minor topics, which the information are only shared between me and the tutors. A skills scores' sheet listing how well I do things are also filled out by the class individually.

At the end of the day, Zoe took us and helped us sort out our calendars. This includes inputting the holidays as well as deadlines for the first few units. This was a bit tricky as I don't always use Google Calendar. Things I will do is to customise my new blogger and hopefully link my old to my new by posting one last blog post directing the user to here.

Link to Develop's Website: http://www.developebp.co.uk/.

Link to Develop's Facebook: www.facebook.com/DevelopEBP.