Unit 30: Task 2 P2

Task 2: P2

The graphical images that will be saved on the Kingswood Website, used on school vehicles and put in brochures will be either a vector graphic or a bitmap graphic. There is a difference between these two graphics. Vector graphics, unlike bitmap graphics are not made up of small blocks of pixels. Instead they made of paths which contain points and curves. This allows the images to be enlarged without a loss of quality. Therefore they are very useful for the creation of logos etc. Common types of vector graphics include Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, and EPS files.

Bitmap graphics are made up of dots/pixel squares. These individual coloured squares make up the image that you see on the screen. Therefore if you try to enlarge or zoom in on the image it becomes pixelated and blurred. Common bitmap file types include BMP (the raw bitmap format), JPEG, GIF, PICT, PCX, and TIFF. Therefore for logos the better choice would be to use vector graphics.

For the brochure, either vector of bitmap graphics could be used. The images used will only be of a small scale, so therefore it will not be enlarged and will not become pixelated. To create the brochure you could use publisher with the edited images from software such as Photoshop. On some of the pages, larger images may be required. This would mean that vector graphics would best option, as it means quality will not be lost when the image is enlarged.

For the school website, bitmap graphics would be useful for the smaller images as they are easy files to use e.g. JPEGs. However on some of the web pages, larger images may be wanted so vector graphics would be needed. This is because the bitmap graphics would become pixelated when enlarged which would reduce the quality of the overall website. The vector graphics instead guarantee that the image quality will be good.

The logo on the side of the school vehicle will need to be made up of vector graphics. This is because the logo will be of a big scale, so therefore the file type must stay clear and not become blurry. If bitmap graphics were used, the logo would be very pixelated which looks like a poor quality. This is because the graphics are made up of the individual blocks of colour, and when these are enlarged the blocks become blurry. Therefore vector graphics would be the better choice for the logo on the side of the vehicle. 

Unit 1: Task 3 D2 How to create a formula

I did this on Thursday the 17th October at 3:30pm. I used the website http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/excel-help/create-a-formula-HP010081867.aspx to help me. After practicing how to create formula on excel I now feel comfortable using this skill. 

Unit 1: Task 3 D2 how to use goal seek

On Thursday 17^th October I learnt how to use Goal Seek at 4:00pm. I did this with the help of http://www.homeandlearn.co.uk/excel2007/excel2007s7p4.html. I have practiced using Goal seek on excel and now feel able to use it in the future. 

Unit 1: Task 3 D2 how to paginate a document

On Wednesday the 16^th October at 11:30am I learnt how to paginate a document on word. I used the website http://www.ehow.com/how_5984810_do-paginate-word-document_.html.

I have now practiced using this skill and now feel fully able to use it in the future. 

Unit 30: Task 1 M1

Task 1: M1

Computer:	A computer is needed in order to create graphic imagery; however there is one problem with it. Computers can be quite expensive, especially for good, high quality ones. This will sometimes put people off from buying one.
Monitor:	A monitor is another necessity; however there is again the issue of cost. Also for graphic design a monitor with high quality graphics is needed to do the work on. These will be at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Keyboard and Mouse:	A keyboard and mouse are very important for controlling the computer. However they can be quite useless when it comes to graphic design. This is because it is very hard to draw with a mouse on a computer so they are a hindrance when it comes to graphic design.
Digital Camera:	A digital camera is useful in graphic design as it allows you to capture images to edit on the computer. A problem with this is price and also quality. To get a high quality camera, it will be more expensive; however it is needed in order to do graphic design. A graphic limitation is that the resolution/ megapixels are not good enough for large format printing.
Scanner:	A scanner is useful for graphic design, although not an absolute necessity. It does however have some issues, for example some scanners can be time consuming and take a while to scan the picture. Some also do this in not a great quality. Another graphic limitation is that scanners are only A4.
Graphics Tablet:	Graphic tablets are very important in graphic design. They allow a designer to draw on the computer with ease, unlike with a mouse. The only issue is again price as they can be quite expensive.
Printer:	Printers are useful in graphic design as the allow you to print the images that have been designed and edited. The only problem is the maintenance of the printer. They regularly need new ink cartridges which can be expensive as well and paper to print onto. A graphic limitation is that you can only print onto paper and cannot print to the edge of the page
Projector:	A projector can be used in graphic design, but it is not always required. It can be used to show the designed images to others in presentations etc. However to have a projector there must be a screen to project on. The whole package can be costly for something which may not be used regularly.
Vinyl Cutter:	Vinyl cutters are useful as it allows the designer to print their designs/logos onto a piece of plastic so they have a solid copy of their work. They are however, quite expensive to maintain. As you need to buy not only the cutter, but also the sheets of plastic.
File storage devices:	File storage devices are very useful as they allow you to back up and store any work that you have. You can also transfer them device to device easily. The problem with these are that sometimes they may corrupt and lose any stored data.
Photo Manipulation:	Photo manipulation is useful as it allows graphic designers to change the image to look how they want it to. The problem is that to make it look a high quality and realistic, you have to be relatively skilled in using the programme. Another limitation would be that you have to learn how to use the software, you would not be able to use the software with ease without doing this.
Drawing packages for logos:	These are very useful as they allow graphic designers to design and create logos easily. Again you have to have skills in order to be able to use the programme correctly. Also it the data on the programme is lost, it can be very hard to recover. Another limitation would be that you have to learn how to use the software, you would not be able to use the software with ease without doing this.
Desk top publishing:	Desktop publishing allows people to produce high quality work at a low cost. The disadvantages of the program are that in order to work it properly you will need to have some knowledge and skills of the programme. Another limitation would be that you have to learn how to use the software, you would not be able to use the software with ease without doing this.

Unit 30: Task 1 P1

Task 1: P1

In order to create the graphic images required different hardware and software are required to create the imagery digitally. There are four different aspects to consider and these are hardware basics, hardware input, hardware output and software.

Hardware basics are a necessity for making the required graphic images. So for example a computer is required in order to create the images. A monitor is needed in order to be able to see what the images look like. A keyboard and mouse are the other two obvious hardware basics which are needed as these are the main way we can create the images.

There are also several hardware inputs that may need to be used in order to create the imagery digitally. A digital camera could be used in order to upload the images onto the computer before they are edited. A scanner will be required in order to get some images onto the computer to edit. It is an easy way to transfer images on paper onto the computer. A graphics tablet would be a very useful device for a graphics designer as it allows them to draw without using a mouse. This makes it a lot easier to draw on the computer.

Hardware output is also very useful and important when designing graphic images. For example printers are very important as they allow us to have a paper copy of the images that have been designed. A projector is also useful as it allows the graphic image to be shown on screens, so for example it can be shown in a presentation. Vinyl cutters are useful as they cut out shapes on plastic and cardboard. So if a logo was designed, a vinyl cutter could cut it out onto plastic so it can be used. It provides a way to turn the image designed on the computer to be made into a useful object. File storage devices are also useful because they provide ways to save the images onto things such as floppy disks and memory sticks. It then means that the graphic images can be transferred from different devices.

Software is required in order to do graphic design. Photo manipulation is where the designer can manipulate and change the original image to change the appearance. An example of a piece of software that would do this would be Photoshop. Drawing packages for logos are also useful as they are very helpful when it comes to logo design.  It makes it easier to design the images on the computer. Desk top publishing also allows a large amount of documents to be printed cheaply, so for graphic designers images can be printed many times. An example of a piece of software for desktop publishing would be Microsoft Office.  

Unit 1: Task 6 M3

Task 6: M3

Different learning styles can aid personal development. There are three main learning styles and these are visual, auditory and Kinaesthetic. Visual learning is where someone learns through what they see e.g. pictures and posters. Auditory learning is where someone learns through what they hear. And kinaesthetic learning is where someone learns through physical activity and movement.

Visual learning can help aid personal development because it provides a way for people who have this learning style to adapt new techniques etc. Visual learning can be through pictures and colours. It provides a way for people to link information to a memorable colour so they are able to learn new things such as skills.

Auditory learning is another way to help aid personal development. It helps just like visual learning does but through different techniques. So through sounds and music information can be linked to certain sounds. This is a way for people to learn new skills and go through personal development.

Kinaesthetic learning does the same as visual and auditory learning. Through movement and physical activity people are able to learn better than they would in a lesson or from writing. By physically learning to do something instead of listening or seeing what needs to be learned is very effective for some people.

Throughout my project I have used visual and auditory learning. I have had to do a lot of research in order to complete many of the set tasks. I have used diagrams to help me with my learning so have learnt visually. I have also watched video tutorials to help me with some of the tasks set. This was my auditory learning as I learnt through what I had heard. I have so far not used kinaesthetic learning throughout my projects, however I find that in most cases this style of learning is of no help to me. 

Unit 1: Task 5 D1

Task 5:

Throughout Unit 1 I have used various interpersonal and communication skills. Communication and interpersonal skills used throughout the unit:

• ·         Verbal communication
• ·         Clear and concise written communication.
• ·         Teacher broadcasting demonstration
• ·         Using Blogger
• ·         Using PowerPoint
• ·         Using Word
• ·         Using Publisher
• ·         Using Google Calendar.

I used verbal communication when talking to the teacher and to peers about any problems or questions I had regarding my work. The advantages of this were that I had a clear answer straight away which would allow me to carry on with the unit. However the disadvantage of this was that peers sometimes were unable to help with the problems, so I was sometimes unable to get an answer quickly.

I used clear and concise written communication when posting my blogs. The advantages of this were that my blogs would be easy to understand and would not have too much information to overwhelm the reader. However the disadvantages of this were that it was time consuming. It took time to read through all of what I had written to make sure everything made sense. This therefore meant I had less time to work on the next task. 

I used teacher broadcasting demonstrations when completing my work. They allowed me to understand what I needed to do next in order to complete the set tasks. The advantages of these were that I would have a clear understanding on the task I was doing and what programmes and software etc. needed to be used. The disadvantages of the teacher broadcasting demonstrations were that if I did not understand something, I would have to use verbal communication to ask peers or the teacher afterwards in order to understand what was required. 

I used Blogger to upload all of my tasks. The advantages of using Blogger are that all of your work is saved in one, accessible place. However the disadvantages of using this are that it is quite a complicated website to understand when you first start using it, as it requires practise to understand how it works. This again is time consuming, especially when deadlines are considered.

I used Google Calendar to complete Task 3. The advantages of using this were that I was able to create a clear plan of all the tasks I needed to complete. It was easy to access and easy to work. However the disadvantages of using this were that sometimes it was unclear to read if there were too many tasks set for that day, this made it hard to see what I needed to do next.

I used PowerPoint to complete Task 2 (PowerPoint on communication barriers). The advantages of using this were that it was easy to use and that it creates a professional looking piece of work. For me, there were no disadvantages when using PowerPoint.

I used Word complete several tasks throughout the unit such as D2. There are many advantages of using word. For example it is a very easy program to use and takes very little time. However the disadvantages of this were that the tasks completed on work were sometimes hard to upload Blogger.

I used Publisher complete Task 1 and Task 4. The advantages of using publisher were that it creates work that is aesthetically pleasing and that looks professional. However I have found that the disadvantages are that it is relatively hard to use. I had to ask peers questions on how to use the program effectively because I struggled with understanding how it worked. 

Unit 1: Task 3 D2

Unit 1: Task 4 P6 Dummies Guide with mistakes

Unit 1 Task 4 Dummies Guide with correction M2

After reviewing the document I have found several mistakes requiring correction. For the first page there are quite a few alignment issues. The two text boxes at the bottom of the screen are overlapping so you are unable to read the text. In the bottom left hand text box the font size is bigger than the other text boxes, this means that only half of the text can be seen. All of the arrows on this page are also out of line, so do not point to the correct point on the screenshot. Also many of the arrows are overlapping text and making it hard to read. There are two spelling mistakes on this page, "Formating" should be "Formatting" and "Color" Should be "Colour". 

There is a spelling mistake on the second page. "Scrol" should be "Scroll". Also again the arrows are out of line with the screen shots so they are not pointing at what the text is describing. All the problems on the second page are similar to those on the first page/  

Unit 1 Task 4: P6 Dummies Guide

Unit 1 Task 3 Skills Audit

BTEC National Skills audit : ICT

Trainee

Rosey Sellars

School

The Kingswood School

Subject Audit:

This Subject Audit is designed to help you review your own ICT knowledge and to identify those areas where you anticipate that you may need support.  Throughout Unit 1 you will need to regularly review the development of your subject knowledge as a vital element in your training experience.

How to assess your knowledge:

In the spaces provided on the following pages please classify your status by ticking against the three point scale:

A	I	T
Advanced: can complete task without thinking	Intermediate: can complete task but has to think about it or ask teacher for a reminder.  This needs to be added to the training plan as a low priority Training need.	Training required: This needs to be added to the training plan as high priority training need.

	Initial audit
	A	I	T
Word Processing
Level 1
I can open a new document	/
I can open an existing document	/
I can save a new document	/
I can save a document using the ‘save as’ facility and I understand why it is important to do so	/
I can format a document	/
I can change fonts	/
I can spell check	/
I can insert text	/
I can insert images	/
I can wrap around text	/
I can use templates appropriately	/
I can use headers and footers appropriately	/
I can use the Thesaurus	/
I can format the background	/
Level 2
I can change the print/page setup	/
I can paginate a document			/
I can import external data from other packages	/
I can use mail merge		/
I can insert footnotes and end notes	/
I can search and replace		/
I can create/format tables	/
I can use Styles	/
I can use Word count	/
Level 3
I can create a customised dictionary		/
I can create an automatic table of contents	/
I can create an index			/
Spreadsheets
Level 1
I can open a new worksheet	/
I can open an existing worksheet	/
I can add new worksheets to exiting ones	/
I can rename worksheets	/
I can move or copy sheets	/
I can add columns	/
I can add rows	/
I can delete columns	/
I can delete rows	/
I can enter data	/
I can copy a formula or a data series along a row or a column	/
I can sort data in ascending and descending order using primary and secondary sort functions			/
I can format data to show different data types	/
I can format data to show different data types, including date	/
I can format data to show different data types, including percentage	/
I can format data to show different data types, including currency	/
I can format cells to show bold	/
I can format cells to show italics	/
I can format cells to show underline	/
I can format cells to show font style	/
I can format cells to show font size	/
I can format cells to show cell border and shading	/
I can format cells to show text alignment and positioning within a cell	/
I can import data	/
I can create formulas			/
I can use functions	/
I can select non-adjacent columns	/
I can use Goal Seek			/
I can create charts/graphs and modify them	/
I can use filters and sort data into order		/
I can amend data on the spreadsheet in order to get different results	/
I can  change font size, type and colour in a cell and over a range of cells	/
I can move cell contents by using the click and drag approach	/
I can create and edit a graph using the chart wizard	/
I can rename worksheets	/
I know how to print formulae			/
I can preview and print spreadsheets using the appropriate orientation	/
Level 2
I can cut and paste data and graphs from spreadsheets into other applications	/
Level 3
I can use absolute cell referencing			/
I can use relative cell referencing			/
I can group worksheets to allow consistent editing of cells in a work book		/
I can use the Paste Special and the Paste Link commands	/
I can use conditional formatting			/
I can merge cell contents	/
PowerPoint
Level 1
I can open a new document	/
I can open an existing document	/
I can save a new document	/
I can save a document using the ‘save as’ facility and I understand why it is important to do so	/
I can format a document	/
I can change fonts	/
I can spell check	/
I can insert text	/
I can insert images, change font and layout	/
I can create and run a slide show	/
I can add animation and transitions	/
I can insert hyperlinks	/
I can add timings and animations to a slide show	/
I can add slides	/
I can amend slides	/
I can delete slides	/
I can create my own backgrounds on a slide	/
I can use backgrounds that are already created	/
I can insert graphics	/
I can use ClipArt	/
I know how to use animations appropriately	/
I know how to edit images by cropping	/
I know how to edit images by resizing	/
I can view a presentation on a mouse click	/
I can set up a show to run automatically on timings	/
I can insert transitions and animations	/
Level 2
I can create a slide master			/
I can import sound – KS 4 & 5		/
I can import video – KS 4 & 5		/
I know how to present printouts as handouts	/
I know how to present printouts as notes pages	/
Email
Level 1
I can send emails	/
I can receive emails	/
I can reply to emails	/
I can forward emails to single recipients	/
I can forward emails to multiple recipients	/
I can attach a file to an email message	/
I can attach multiple files to an email message	/
I can appropriately set the importance of a message	/
Level 2
I can use Cc	/
I can use Bcc	/
I can use an address book appropriately and can store an address	/
I can use an address book appropriately and can retrieve an address	/
I can use an address book appropriately and can use addresses	/
I can create and use an email signature		/
Internet
Level 1
I can navigate to known websites, and do basic searches	/
I can save images from a website as required and use them appropriately	/
I can save text from a website as required and use them appropriately	/
I can connect to the internet using a URL	/
I can navigate around a website	/
I can access and download appropriate information from the internet	/
I can bookmark websites and add to favourites	/
I understand the restrictions of copyright	/
I can use a URL to connect to a website from an intranet	/
I can use a URL to connect to a website from favourites	/
I can use a URL to connect to a website from bookmarks	/
I can use a URL to connect to a website typing accurately	/
Level 2
I can use Boolean Operators to undertake more accurate searches			/
I can save video from a website as required and use them appropriately			/
I can save animations from a website as required and use them appropriately			/
Desktop Publishing (Publisher or Adobe Indesign)
Level 1
I can open a new document	/
I can open an existing document	/
I can save a new document	/
I can save a document using the ‘save as’ facility and I understand why it is important to do so	/
I can format a document	/
I can change fonts	/
I can spell check	/
I can insert text	/
I can insert images, change font and layout	/
I can design documents from scratch	/
I can decide which publication to use at the appropriate time; for example, newsletters, worksheets, brochures, etc.	/
I can use text boxes	/
I can use Word Art	/
I can insert tables	/
I can insert picture frames	/
I can insert Clip Art	/
I can use Shapes and Auto Shapes	/
I can add text	/
I can amend text	/
I can delete text	/
I can use colour	/
I can format backgrounds	/
I can format colours	/
I can format images	/
I can copy text and images	/
I can paste text and images	/
I can move text and images	/
Level 2
I can use templates	/
I can use text effects	/
I can insert tables	/
I can edit tables	/
I can reposition tables	/
I can resize tables	/
Multimedia (cameras, scanners etc.)
Level 1
I can use a digital camera	/
I can use a digital camcorder	/
I can transfer images from a camera to a computer and edit these images	/
I can use software to import images into appropriate applications	/
I can use software to import images into appropriate applications, including Moviemaker	/
I can use software to import images into appropriate applications, including Publisher	/
I can crop and change file size and format as appropriate to purpose, e.g. save as jpeg	/
Level 2
I can use software to import images into appropriate applications, including Photo Editor	/
I can recognise the difference between different image files, such as vector based	/
I can recognise the difference between different image files, such as bitmapped	/
I can use a scanner to import images into appropriate applications	/
I can use a scanner to capture images	/