Coursework Begins :^)

Well, today we began work on our coursework which is to be completed over the course of Year 14. Our aim is to use the databases we developed in Lower 6th and upload them to a webpage, similarly to the Northwind Traders site we have been working on.

As we did with the NWT database, we began by creating site layouts. Mine is shown below...

17/10/07

In Today's class, we began watching a series of videoclips which would help improve our knowledge and understanding ofthe Visual Web Developer Program. When we finish watching each video, we were asked to make a short summary of what we learnt here on our blog.

Video 01.

Video 01 discussed the basics of the program such as creating a new web site, understanding visual code and how to construct features such as Labels and Buttons from the toolbar or new aspx pages.

Classwork :)

Over the weekend, we were asked to summarise section 4.1. With this completed, my task for todays class was to create 10 questions, with answers provided, for Section 4.5.

This is done below.

(Q)(1) What is an 'Off-the-shelf' package?

(A)(1) An 'Off-the-shelf' package is one that is commercially available and addresses the common needs of common organisations.

(Q)(2) What is 'Bespoke' software?

(A)(2) 'Bespoke' software is developed with a particular organisation and its needs in mind. It may be developed by the company's own ICT department or by some third-party.

(Q)(3) List 3 advantages of 'Off-the-shelf' software.

(A)(3) - Software is immediately available for use

- Tends t0 be reasonably cheap

- Of reasonable quality

(Q)(4) List 3 disadvantages of 'Off-the-shelf' software.

(A)(4) - Customer pays for functionality they may never use

- Software may not easily integrate with existing systems

- Customer does not 'own' the software

(Q)(5) List 3 advantages of 'Bespoke' software.

(A)(5) - Meets precise needs

- Can be designed to interface with existing systems

- More flexible than packaged software

(Q)(6) List 3 disadvantages of 'Bespoke' software.

(A)(6) - Customer must pay all development costs

- System is not tried and tested

- Software is not available right away

(Q)(7) What is a project management tool?

(A)(7) A tool used to systematically schedule jobs and assign jobs to people

(Q)(8) What is a Gantt chart?

(A)(8) A Gantt chart is a chart used to show clearly the tasks that must be completed and when activites can start and finish. They show how the tasks in the development of a system are related by using a timeline.

Classwork Aims For Today

By the end of today's double class, I intend to complete a basic site map based upon the Northwind Traders Database.

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Site Map Completed.

(Shown Below)

The Prototype Model

The Prototype Model differs from the Waterfall Model in that it accomodates requirement uncertainty very well.

The Waterfall Model

In class, we were asked to provide graphical descriptions of both the Waterfall Model and Prototype Model and explain them clearly upon our blogs. Below, both an image and description of the Waterfall Model is provided.

The Waterfall Model is seen as an approach to tackling the stages of problem solving. Within this method, each stage is completed before work on a new section commences. In other words, work on a new stage is begun until the previos has been completed.

One advantage of this method is that if problems occur, developers can back track 'up' the waterfall to each stage!

Year 14 Classwork...

Over the course of Year 14, we will complete Modules 4, 5 and 6 of the course. To keep myself on top of everything, I will neatly arrange all work in folders as illustrated below.

New School Year (",)!

Been a while since I wrote to this blog, but it's a new school year and I have new targets which I hope to achieve over the next few terms.
Overall, last year I feel my poor behaviour was a clear factor in my poor exam result. In order to alter this, I intend to change my attitude this year. Rather than messing around, I will complete the assigned work in class, ask questions when there are topics I don't understand and complete all homeworks.
Admittedly, I didn't put the required effort into my coursework last year and the end result came across as quite rushed. This year however, things will be different. I will work at coursework consistantly and meet the deadlines rather than leaving most til the last minute and then struggling to have it complete. This I feel should lead to clear improvements in my results this summer...

Laterz ("-)!