All Handed In..

Today we travelled down the University to give Sian our podcasts via memory stick. All went to plan and she was able to view it with clear sound. I really enjoyed this multimedia project as it was different from all other assessment types we have created throughout the three years. I believe we have met the requirements for the project title and created something completely different to what we had in mind when first having received the title.
The voice memo found on Microsoft is a new technology tool to me, I will definitely consider using this software again in future presentations.

The Outcome!

Overall, we came away from the library very happy with our work. Our chosen plants were very different, yet came together to create an interesting presentation that was extremely fun to make. With a clear microphone, voice memos are an excellent source of media for making presentations if you wish to not get yourself in a video. I am extremely pleased with our images, they are presented professionally and represent exactly what we are explaining. I wish to see what sources of technology and media other class members have used!

Bringing it together...

Having just met up with Carl and Lucy, we have decided to incorporate images to back up our points. After Googling many ways to discover how we can design a podcast that enables us to speak, also being visual, we came up with a PowerPoint presentation. The three of us have created PowerPoints for assessment's over the past three years, so this type of media would serve us well. We had difficulty on finding a microphone as the ICT suite was locked. Luckily the librarians were happy to help us and kindly let us borrow their WebCam which had a microphone built on.
Next we designed the PowerPoint. We used a green colour scheme throughout, relating to the green plants and eco theme. Google images was extremely handy on finding good quality images, displaying exactly our research.

I brought my memory stick in to the library, this allowed us to put our separate research in to one script. We labelled each person's research to a chosen slide, this was organised well.
We introduced what Medicinal Plants are before individually talking about our research-informed plants. We spoke clearly into the microphone giving detailed knowledge and understanding of our two chosen plants. These voice memos were simply embedded on to each slide, with a clear speaker logo for the viewer to click. Effective collaboration and a mix of ideas between Carl, Lucy and I, made these voice memos and images work successfully. We used relevant literature from a selection of credible sources. We thought a simple reference list at the end of the presentation would be relevant to illustrate our findings.

When researching my chosen two medicinal plants I found limited information on the Daffodil. I came across an edible herb that I love and was very interested in what its medicinal use is. This is garlic. These are the bullet points I am going to read out on the podcast:

 

• ONLY FRESH GARLIC Effective its used against many fungal infections – can be used as an antibiotic as it kills a range of microbes in the viruses, bacteria or fungi. It helps conditions like athletes foot

 

•  Used to treat toothaches, earaches, cough and colds – if the smell does not make your body hold the strong odour , then the remedy was not very useful, the smell indicates the presence of the healing properties.

 

•  Reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels – prevents blood clots – reduces heart attack or strokes

 

•  Reduce heart disease,lowers cholesterol levels

• Some herbs with medicinal uses are edible and fun and safe to grow in school gardens (SCIENCE/CREATIVITY)

 

The doc leaf provided me with lots of facts, these are as follows:

• Resemble Rhubarb more of less, with similar general characteristics – All docks are edible – salad/herbal teas/ stir fries – natural iron in the human system.

 

Round-leaved dock

 

·         Known as the troublesome weed growing on good land however, used to as a remedy for burns and scalds and dressing blisters. It is most known for the popular cure for nettle stings (found growing with nettles)- instant relief.

·         The root of docks have a gentle laxative action, creating bowel movement and good digestion by stimulating the release of gastric juices. This is very similar to that of Rhubarb, but perhaps a little less active, the dock operates without pain or uneasiness. Use only the smallest dose to avoid cramping of the stomach, do not use any other laxatives in combination to the dock.

Sharp-pointed dock

·         The root has been used in drinks as a general blood cleanser/purifier – conditioner for the blood.

·         Both round-leaved dock and Sharp-pointed dock, together with their roots make a useful infusion against bleedings and fluxes in a tea form

• An infusion made from  their leaves and roots also make a curative of several chronic skin diseases that cause itching or sores for example. For this ypu put the leaves in blender with water & apply to itchy skin.

 

I came across a powerful picture on the social networking site called Twitter, which illustrated the negative effects global warming is having on people, the image shows a pregnant lady. It was fundamental to me that this image was somehow to be shown in our podcast.

 

 

First stage of Assignment Part 2

     After a successful visit to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, St. Fagans and the Natural History Museum in Cardiff, Carl, Lucy and myself came up with an innovative scientific idea for our second assignment. We have chosen to discover how certain plants can create medicine. We thought it would be an interesting topic and relevant to today's modern world. Whilst getting together at the library, we discovered many of the powerful drugs used in today's modern medicines originated from plants. We wrote down names of some plant-based drugs and I was given the doc leaf and the daffodil. The three of us now has two chosen plants which we will research individually.

Suzie Pugh - design a brand

As a task to be completed over the Easter Holidays, Suzie wanted us to meet as a group to design a brand and advertising poster. Lucy, Sophie and I met up and thought of food as a theme. We then came up with a "fruit and veg store" (grocery) as there's one in every town. This will attract all types of customers and it is open everyday. We decided on the name "FRESH". Each of us took pictures of fruit and vegtables in our kitchens. I'm lucky enough to work in a restaurent so got some awsome images. As I have Photoshop we then came over my house to create the poster. We decided on a green theme as its neutral, then went on to edit the pictures. We thought of slogans such as "let's eat smart" and "best of British" to draw attention. The poster also had the website and address on, which we made up. This is how the poster looked: (sorry poor quality)

Suzie Pugh - sense of place

In this session we got given our assignment title - "sense of place". This confused alot of us as we did not know exactly what the phrase meant. After examples and explanations were given to us by Suzie, most of us had a rough idea what we were going to focus on. I thought of fashion and art, I hopefully will combine both to make a portfolio and final peice. To understand in more detail Suzie gave us a huge sheet of paper, magazines and newspapers. In partners we had to cut out pictures that meant something to us and present it on the board like a collage. Lucy and I's collage consisted of pictures of holidays (beaches), cupcakes (making cakes with Gran) and the Welsh flag.

Suzie Pugh - objects of significance

In this seminar we had to bring in objects that showed specific significance in our lives. We had to bring in 3-5 objects, then get into groups of 3 and explain what they meant to us. After discussing we then had to pick 1 object and explain again in detail to the whole class. I picked my cars keys as I had my car for my 17th birthday. I received it off my parents and it was the best gift anyone could have ever given me! It has made me feel independant and more of an adult. Other people's included photographs, charm brakelets and a lot more crazy things. The stories behind the objects were very interesting and touching.

Steve Gullick (guest speaker) ASSIGNMENT

On the 6^th Feb 2012, Steve Gullick a previous Head Master came in to give us a lecture on Governors. Mr.Gullick explained that there are 23,000 Governors in Wales today. The majority are white, middle-aged and belong to a middle-class family.

     There are four types of Governing bodies:

·         The abdicators – these tend to believe that you should leave the work to the professionals such as the Head.

·         The adversaries – these visit the school often and keep a very close eye on all aspects of the school.

·         The supporters club – these offer advice and support the head.

·         The partners – these are the best Governors, they share everything good and bad by working in partnership with the head and staff.

Governors have many roles. The must meet up adleast 3 times a year to discuss results and plans for the school. The governing body is usually made up of parents of pupils, LEA (local education authority), teachers, other staff, community and the Head. A major duty the group have, is to employ staff. Governors interview employees and decide as a group who they will take on. They also decide whether or not to exclude pupils. The Governors approve the school budget, the more pupils in the school the money coming in. Mr.Gullick told us from experience that the Head Teachers cannot stop inspectors or Governors from coming into the school at any time. After explaining his perceptions on Governors, Mr.Gullick gave us a hand sheet with more in depth details. I now know that Governors:

1.    Conduct the school to promote high standards of educational achievement

2.    Set appropriate school targets for pupil achievement at Key Stage 2, 3 and 4

3.    Managing the schools budget – this includes staff pay

4.    Making sure that the National Curriculum is being taught

5.    Participating in the appointment of the head teacher and deputy head teachers and other staff and regulating staff conduct and discipline

6.    Finally drawing up an action plan after an inspection.

Mr.Gullick then gave us real world examples of Government Statements that he had heard.

“I expect local authorities to participate in consortia arrangements, including shared consortium services, or suffer financial penalties.”

Leighton Andrews, Written Welsh Government statement, 2^nd Feb 2011.

Mr.Gullick explained to us the contact between the school governors and the teaching staff. The only way both will meet each other is through job interviews, informal visits to schools and celebrations such as school concerts and productions. Some staff will see Governors at governing body meetings and staff disciplinary meetings. This means Governors have seen evidence of poor teaching, therefore will arrange training courses to progress.

     I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Gullicks talk on Governors, as my mum was a Governor in my Primary it is interesting to see exactly what they did and what they have achieved at my time in the school.



Ken Jones (guest speaker) 9/1/12

    

Ken Jones came into our lecture to talk to us about education today. Mr.Jones  gave us some background knowledge of education. He told us that Leighton Andrews is the current Minister for Education in Wales. Today in education international tests are run called “PISA’s” these were brought out in 2006 to compare results throughout schools.

“The PISA results confirm that we have made progress across the board”

The Welsh Assembly

Today there are PLC’s these are Professional Learning Communities. They bring teachers together and focus on specific challenges.

Graham Allen (guest speaker) ASSINGMENT

    On the 21^st February 2012, Graham Allen the Environmental Manager at SMU came into our lecture to talk to us about “Education for sustainable development.” As I did Geography at A level this particularly interested me as I had learnt about sustainability last year at college.

    Mr. Allen gave us a quote from Kofi Annan. It read:

"Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract –   sustainable development - and turn it into a reality for all the world's people".

Kofi Annan is a diplomat, the “Kofi Annan Foundation works to promote better global governance and strengthen the capacities of people and countries to achieve a fairer, more secure world.” (http://kofiannanfoundation.org/)

    Mr. Allen explained that there are 300 definitions of sustainable development. Which quotes are accurate we ask ourselves? The most commonly quote however is from Gro Harlem Bruntland. Bruntland is the Director General of the World Health Organisation. In 1987, he said:

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

After showing us many quotes from very important people and what they meant to him, Mr. Allen went on to tell us what Universities should be doing to help the environment. To improve he explained we should come together to make target goals and commitment. By doing this we all need responsibilities and effective communication so we can share our learning and knowledge. We should then monitor systems to access and report progress.

    As many think the rise in the worlds population is a bad think for pollution there are many benefits of growth:

·         More people = More companies = Creates employment

·         Better goals = Higher incomes

·         Hopefully a decrease in poverty as the world is getting richer

Today The National Assembly for Wales has a duty under section 121 of the government of Wales Act 1988 to promote Sustainable Development in the exercise of its functions, that is, in everything it does. This includes recycling, re-using and reducing! This is something I learnt in my Primary School. By learning this at a young age I understood the environmental problems and wanted to take action. “Action is our only hope.” (Allen)

I thourghly enjoyed Mr. Allens lecture and thought it was very relevant to today's society. It has made me want to do more in order to help the environment to tommorrows generation!

D Warner (guest speaker) ASSIGNMENT

On the 27^th March, 2012 Professor D Warner came into our University as a guest speaker. He taught us an Education Policy Lecture on Higher Education. I feel this lecture was similar to Mr Bennetts we had previously heard.

    Firstly Mr Warner showed us pictures of our University many years ago. It looked completely different and most of us did not recognize it when he asked us where it was. We were astonished to find out Swansea Metropolitan University has been here over 150 years! Mr Warner then went on to give us a list of universities and asked us to place them in an order. We had to think what came first. I wrote down that Bath Spa University was built first, I thought this as it is popular and situated in a large town. I was wrong as Aberdeen was shockingly built first in 1495.

   Mr Warner believes from experience that years ago University meant just teaching and researching. As he is vice chancellor at Swansea University he was now gone on to see that his perceptions of University has changed. Today he feels University enables learners to develop their capabilities and fulfil their potential. Higher education now contributes to an economically successful and culturally diverse nation. This promotes personal growth and a healthy society. By going onto Higher Education learners advance their knowledge and understanding through scholarships and research.

    Mr Warner then told us recent trends that were happening in the U.K today.

·         Firstly there is a female student increase.

·         There are ten times more post graduate functions today than ever before.

·         There is a part-time increase

·         Growth in international students

·         Balance of funding

All of the above show more reasons why HE is increasing today, learners are now being given better opportunities and want to reach their goals.

Nick Bennett (guest speaker) FE Policy ASSIGNMENT

   On the 6^th March, Nick Bennett the Principal of Gower College came in to speak to us as a guest lecture. His main objective was to show us an overview of further education in Wales. The Welsh Government is in charge of education in Wales and it is funded by a department of skills. Further education is non-compulsory, it is any level after compulsory education such as college and university. The Welsh Government has two major functions:

1.    Underpinning Social Justice

This includes:

·         Widening access

·         Second chances

·         Cultural awareness

·         Financial support

2.    Supporting the Economy

This includes:

·         Employer Engagement

·         Work based learning

·         Qualifications

·         Entrepreneurship

·         Business generation

By having these major functions it will eventually lead to teaching and learning. People will now be given equal opportunities by support where age, race and disability does not matter. The Government however are trying to bring in the Welsh Medium into role so more learners are able to speak and understand the Welsh language. The Government are also looking for high demands of progression to prepare learners properly for Higher Education.

    Mr Bennett then gave us some interesting statistics on the FE (Further Education) Policy. He told us that:

·         95% of students studying in Wales are actually Welsh

·         In 2009/10 there were 184,730 learners in Wales

·         The FE offers over 5,000 different qualifications in Wales

·         68% of the students are over 19

    Today the Welsh Government is trying to improve FE. To do this they are providing more financial support than ever before such as EMA. EMA is money for 16 to 18 year olds who want to continue their education after school leaving age. If you’re eligible, you could get £30 a week, paid every two weeks. University fee’s however are due to go up in 2012/13. The maximum tuition fee you can be charged in the academic year is £9,000. The actual amount you are charged can vary depending on your choice of university or college or course. Your university or college can confirm the exact amount you will be charged for your course. (www.studentfinancewales.co.uk)
    Mr Bennett also told us that in 1979 there were 40 colleges and today in 2012 there are only 17 colleges, this is because they have merged together creating bigger and better places for HE.

Suzie Pugh - pictures around the University

In todays session, Suzie got us to experiment with different emotions using a digital camera. We were each given an I-pod with a camera and then set off around the University. I did not have a specific emotion, I tried to find funny, unusual things about the place. Here is what I found:

Steve Gullick - What is Education 7/2/12 SEMINAR

    Today Steve gave us real life examples of Govening experiences that he's dealt with. He did not give any names so everything was confidential. The first handout was about Health and Safety. He gave us a situation on a school trip and we had to give a checklist on what we would do before going on a trip. We went around the class giving answers such as consent forms, first aid kit etc. Steve gave us 2 examples and then went on to explain whatr Strategic Planning is. We are now aware that SMT, staff and governers meet to produce a Develpment Plan.

Steve Gullick - What is Education 6/2/12 LECTURE

     Today we had a guest speaker in the lecture covering Andy. He was an ex Head Teacher, Steve was Head at a large school in Birmingham. In this lecture he talked to us about Governers, explaining what they were and what their roles are. Steve explained that there are 23,000 Governers in Wales, he then gave us a handout showing the main key roles. This includes promoting high standards, setting targets and managing the school budget. Steve then went onto who is included in the Govening body. It is built up of parents, LEA's, Teachers, Staff, Community and the Head.
    Steve then gave us another hand out explaining how school governers interact with the teachers. I now know they do this by job interviews, informal visits to schools, celebrations and meetings.

Different Text's

Here I visited http://www.graffiticreator.net/ and created my own graffiti, it says Ffion.

Another creative text website I used was http://www.tagxedo.com/, here it asked me for a URL that I use so I wrote down my facebook address. Then this came up:

I changed the colour of the tagxedo to different shades of blue's as these are the facebook colours. I also changed the font type to get a similir one to the facebook logo.

Another website we used was http://www.text-image.com/, here I created:

Movie Making

Last week on the 10th of Jan, Mandy us into groups of four. My group included Lucy, Carl and Tom. Mandy gave everygroup a topic, ours was "people". The main object of the movie was to have no sound! Here we had to go around the University and record them. We wrote down on a peice of paper their name and their role in the Uni, they then held this up. After we wrote on a peice of paper "we come to her if we..." etc. We had a total of 22 clips. After an hour of going around the Uni we came back to the classroom and put them in order, next we put a song as the background music and speeded up the clip. We are showing them to our class next week :)!

My Placement

Its the 10th of Januray and my 2nd day back at Uni. At last week of Uni before the Christmas holidays we had "placement". Here I visited my old Primary School, Catwg. I visited for a school week and got put into Year1. I visited a Primary School whilst at College each Wednesday afternoon and assisted in Nursery and Year3, so Year1 was very different experience. As it was close to Christmas, the whole school were preparing for the Christmas concert. I got involved helping the children to remember their lines, learn new dance routines and songs. I throughly enjoyed watching back it was so funny!
The school is alot more modernized from when I was there. In there classroom there are 2 computers, from here the register is reported. At afternoons the children had activitys such as crafts, acting in the playcorner and toys. Another activity was on the computer, here the children had to work in partners to complete puzzles on screen.
Also in the classroom there is now a interactive whiteboard, the Teacher used this everyday whilst the children sat on the carpet watching.

Animations

In last weeks lesson we looked at the differernt technology in education. Using our wiki's from the week before we made a presentation and showed the class. My presentation included the new 21st century technology such as whiteboards and computers and how they help children.
We then went onto look at animations. Mandy told us about an application called "2simple". Here we created our own individual animations

We then presented them to the class and told classmates how we did it.