A Report Evaluating ICT and its Implementation for Distance Learners Essay

a) pronounce how to celebrate effective communication with your tutor. As this is a self- theme course, the answer to this question is a little complex. Although in that location is an actual fleshly tutor to mark assignments and give feedback, a vital part of gaining a ethical grade on my assignments is to demonstrate my autarkical work ability with minimal guidance from my tutor1. Lessons be delivered via the online website, so in a sense the about definitive aptitude set necessary is to read, re-read, lookup the meshwork to understand any(prenominal) terms which arent clear, and then re-read again. There are two tutors on my course. I sent a note of introduction, stating who I am and giving a brief synopsis of wherefore I am studying this course. Although I am sure that I will concord study related questions to ask later, and possibly requests for more information regarding assignment feedback, I think that at the scrap our communication falls indoors the bounds of regular courtesy. As the course progresses I think checking my messages regularly, respecting and auditory sense to my tutors feedback, move a note of acknowledgement on receipt of any messages, and perhaps if appropriate sending a note if I think there will be an unusual amount of hold in in finishing the modules, are about as far as the bounds of the course allows for communication. b) pronounce how technological tools will process you study.The first thing to establish here is what technological tools are twain available and germane(predicate) to me as a blank learner. Essentially the hardly tools I will be using are my com postureer and the profit. My computer will be for collating information in my ePortfolio, writing essays, and entrying the internet. I have got divided my ePorfolio into quaternion sections coursework, reflective notes, enquiry, and self- valuatement activities. The necessary ICT skills here are word procedureing, s peckning and printing, draf tsmanship charts and diagrams. I completed a course in word processing and data digest so I am relatively competent at this. heretofore I have in any case been unfermented my knowledge via the Microsoft Office Help, Training and Tutorials page2, oddly for drawing diagrams, an area I havent had a great deal use for recently. Remembering to organise and file relevant information and tasks into the appropriate folders, and ensuring that at the end of individually unit Ihave created a comprehensive review of my study methods and what I have learnt are the most essential components here. In completing this course the internet is my greatest tool, and can be humiliated down into more sub-categories. Below is a basic system diagram of how I am accessing the internet to complete my course assignmentsTo swear out me research and study, I can go online and use electronic books, journals, articles, videos, podcasts, and publications from governments and value talk over organisatio ns. I will go into greater detail later, on simply which websites I am utilising. However as a brief example Exploring counselling skills with an emphasis on ICT.I did a basic search for counselling resources online. I discovered a website shed blood by a qualified, practicing, experienced, direction in the UK.3 This website provided me with general information, a PDF ebook on training to be a counsellor,4 and links videos providing online slightons on counselling skills and concepts.5 I returned to my original search and followed a link to resources offered by a UK university for its students doing a comparable course.6 This gave me a list of books and journals that undergraduates would be using to explore counselling skills.7 I sense of smelled at the recommended books on amazon and staged sample content of those available as ebooks. I then did web searches on the various authors, and contributors to chapters, to two check their credentials and see if they offered any reso urces on their practice / university / in the flesh(predicate) website. I went back to the recommended indicant list and looked at the recommended journals and shew links to them, eg. British Journal of psychological science.8 I returned to my original search and started investigate counselling organisations and their publications including UKCP,9 BPS,10 the BACP,11 and the CPCAB12 I went to the UN,13 and EU,14 websites to check their publications regarding counselling. Finally I checked the PubMed15 website to find more links to relevant journals. I noted all of these links for use when researching other more specific aspects of counselling.c) rate how performing a SWOT analysis can help you study. I was unfamiliar with the root word of SWOT analysis before beginning this unit so initially I did some context research on the concept16 and looked at a summary of AuthurHumphreys, the inventor of SWOT, main principles and conclusions.17 I then searched the internet for ideas on exactly how to mention my own particular strengths and weaknesses. I found mindtools18 particularly helpful because it gave me ideas to consider as I looked at each section. I also performed a personality test19, to see the strengths and weaknesses of my particular personality type. This was less useful, because it was more to do with me personally than with my ability to study, although it gave me some(prenominal) things to consider. I created this chartAt first shine I actually found it stope demoralising the weaknesses and threats seemed to be considerably more extensive than the strengths and opportunities. However as I analysed it more closely, I quickly realised this was unfounded. I think although I certainly close to consider the threats and weaknesses, they have a hole less weight in comparison to the strengths and opportunities section. So far as I can see my weaknesses are things I can compensate for and retreat into account as I study. These are my thoughts and solutions for each of them1) Limited prior experience of the subject existence studiedThis is only a temporary problem. I am doing a great deal of background research for this assignments part two, and looking into books which might supplement my knowledge. I think I will feel caught up in the near future.2) Sometimes overly perfectionist (i.e. I can get by to imagine that done is better than perfect) I am setting myself time limits on how foresightful I can edit and re-edit my work. I am consciously writing things that I know may soundly be deleted or completely revised later, simply to make sure I have a base to work from.3) Can call on over-involved in studying to the point that other areas of my look suffer I have compiled a detailed schedule for myself, to ensure that I can maintain a balance in my life. I have made sure to keep time free, in particular the weekends when my children are not in school, and to allow time to keep up with my domestic responsibilities.4) n on having a classroom of other students to bounce idea around with may limit potential I have been investigating groups of other trainee counsellors and mature students. I have also made sure to report on the Oxford College forum20 so I have the potential of meeting other passel. I also found the process of self-assessment useful in countering this weakness, I give more detailed thoughts on that later in this report.5) Sudden loss of enthusiasm if I overload myself with unrealistic goals I tend to want to quit In part this is covered by my solution for weakness 6), however I have also been carefully breaking down each unit and each assignment so it is in insect bite size, manageable chunks. If I can focus on simply completing each section within each unit, without getting overwhelmed by the whole, and in particular with the word count, I can complete e genuinelything without any panic.The threats I identified are giantly out of my control. I am estimating that it will take me fo ur to six weeks to complete each unit to the best of my ability. This leaves me with a minimum of six weeks free at the end of the two year time limit. I think that this should be enough to compensate for any slowing down in my pace due to unforeseen circumstances.Listing my strengths and investigating my opportunities was a very positive experience for me. Knowing that I am well-grounded at research, experienced in distance study, and that I also have access to a university library has made me feel a lot more confident of my abilities. However acknowledging my weaknesses and proactively coming up with plans to counter them has been the most helpful part of the exercise.d) Evaluate the practice of hypothecateive Writing.Reflective Writing is the process used to visualize what you originally thought and what you have learnt. Analyse its implications and outcomes.Consider what you could do differently, what more you could learn, how what you have learnt will affect you. It is a vita l skill for learners at any level, and considered a necessary practise for health professionals at all levels. When you write reflectively you use a unique mixture of both academic analytical skills and apply them to your own personal situation. It was a concept I was previously unfamiliar with. I looked at the general theory in arrears it on several university websites, I found the Exeter University guide particularly helpful21, and then more specifically at the competency of Public Health website and how it is used by health professionals.22 through and throughout this course it is a good way to look at the culture outcomes of each unit. To assess what you originally believed, what you have learnt, and how you can put things into practice.It is also a useful way to keep track of things you think deserve further consideration. So for instance when I was researching SWOT, I came across an interesting theory by Athur Humphrey saying that that the level of peoples work and the effor t they put into it is strongly related to reward23. Later on as I was researching what makes effective learners, I came across a scientific study by behaviour economist Dan Ariely that turn out this same theory24. Although this information seems interesting, I decided it was not actually directly relevant to what I was being asked to evaluate. It was however something to note and consider in my reflective writing as something that might possibly be relevant later on and something I could learn from.e) Evaluate the practice of Self-AssessmentSelf assessment, is one of the most important and vital skills in this course. One aspect of it is reflective writing, (detailed previously) but there are several other components. When I do the self-assessment activities in the units I am provided with a baseline of my current knowledge. When I look up the answers at the end of the text this gives me feedback on how much I know, and also helps me to identify what I should be researching to impr ove my current knowledge level. This is a basic diagram of how I am using the self assessment activitiesEssentially, once I know the level of my own knowledge, I can see what I need to work on. A large part of self-assessment seems to be organisation and understanding. The dour Box Report25 on self assessment in British schools noted that the main barrier to student self assessment, is being unsure of exactly what you should be achieving. If you can establish that you have a platform from which to work. Through my SWOT assessment, I established my own personal areas I need to work on. Through the subject specific learning objectives, and self-assessment activities I can establish what I know and what I need to learn. As knowledge is cumulative, organisation is key here writing up my reflections, with particular reference to the learningobjectives of each unit, and collating them in my ePortfolio to provide a body of reference specific to my needs and learning drutherss.f) Consid er the Principles of an ePortfolio.ePortfolios are widely used, and an integral component of many online courses. The promotion of ePortfolios is also an EU policy26 as a way of valuing and celebrating the achievements of the individual.27 From under graduate to doctoral study28 in counselling ePortfolios are now prevalent. The dissemble/ case Coalition for Electronic Portfolio Research29 says they are a way for students to both generate and document learning. Its important to think of an ePortfolio as both a product -a digital collecting of artefacts- and as a process of reflecting on those artefacts and what they represent.30 There are triple main goals when creating an ePortfolio. Firstly, mapping my progress as a student, to understandably set out my research, plans, essays, and self reflection. Doing this allows me to not only clearly see my progress, but to critically assess and reflect on what I have learnt.Secondly, my ePortfolio allows me to document my own personal gro wth, goals, and achievements to be able to look at what I have done, how I have viewed challenges and worked through them, and perhaps use those methods again in the future. One of the most important pre-requisites to being a counsellor is empathy having a clear view of myself, the challenges I have gone through, and my reactions as I went through them is a relevant way of helping me remember and being able to relate. Thirdly my ePortfolio provides a body of information that I can use to help me format a CV both by showing what learning goals I have achieved and how I have achieved then, and by providing evidence of continuous learning. At a later date it can also provide me with the basis for constructing a professional website.Task 2. Collate Web Resources Relevant to way Studies, and Reflect on What Has Been Learnt.As detailed in section b) I have evaluated counselling resources based on their credibility, i.e whether they are peer reviewed, produced by a national or worldwide organisation, and the qualifications of the author. I have only included resources that meet these guidelines fully or in part. I concentrated my web searches on these websites (in alphabetical order) Bielefeld Academic Search Engine BASE.31 BASE is asearch engine for academic related articles, and journals. A lot of resources related to counselling studies can be found there. British Association for counselor-at-law and mental hygiene BACP.32 The BACP is a professional organisation for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. It sets guidelines for good practice and has various resources and information booklets for counsellors and psychotherapists. It has recently become the first government accredited register for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. CogPrints33 is an online archive of journals and articles with a large psychology section. It is run by Southampton University UK. Columbia University Academic Commons34 gives access to a large number of articles and research papers including many related to counselling psychology. focal point and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body CPCAB.35 The CPCAB provides standards for counsellors and psychotherapists. It also has a large amount of reference information, including videos on counselling practice. European Union EU.36 The EU sets standards and makes laws for the whole of Europe. They have a database with a large number of reports, many concerning counselling and its implementation. Falmouth University Library*3738 has a large endurance of articles and journals related to counselling and psychology. starkMedicalJournals39 a website providing access to journals and their articles that have passed their embargo period. Google Scholar40 a search engine for donnish articles and journals. PubMed41 is a website run by The United States National Library of Medicine. It gives access to journals, articles, and reports concerning health. RELATE42 is the UK based organisation specifically set u p to provide counselling for couples. It has a wide range of publications relating to this.This website will be particularly useful when studying the Relationship Counselling unit. Science manoeuvre (the replacement for the now retired SCIRUS)43 Science Direct is a website that allows you to search for science related articles and journals. The Directory of Open Access Journals DOAJ.44 The DOAJ is a search engine for journals and articles, many related to counselling and psychology and its worldwide implementation. UK Council for Psychotherapy UKCP45 The UKCP brings together counselling psychotherapists with a encompassing range of specialisations throughout the UK. It is nationally recognised and accredited. It has a range of free publications for counsellors. UN university46 has a large collection of research, articles and publicationsincluding many regarding mental health. United Nations Childrens inventory UNICEF.47 UNICEF deals with the rights of children and mothers thr oughout the world. They have a large database of reports concerning the physical and mental wellbeing of children and young people. This website will be particularly useful when studying the Child Counselling unit. United Nations UN.48 The UN sets world standards for human rights and health care.They have a large database of articles and reports making recommendations for international well being, including a significant number regarding psychological health. This is a fairly extensive list of resources, and many of the websites listed gives access to reports and articles which number in the tens of thousands. I have listed only those website which have a very good search procedure this means that when I look for information I can cut down on as many generalisations as possible and find articles that specifically deal with the topics in each unit. My preference is to first search for articles in well regarded journals, and then to move onto lesser known or in the buff reports and findings. So for example to find information on Counselling Studies I went to the Falmouth Library Database and checked for the three main journals related to counselling in Europe The European Journal of Counselling Psychology, Counselling Psychology Review, and Counselling Psychology Quarterly.I then searched within these publications for articles on Counselling Studies and Therapeutic Person nerved Counselling in particular. I read the BACP and UKCP guidelines and policy for counsellors and for their training. I made notes and considered what I had learnt. Before I began my research I made some brief notes on what I thought Counselling Studies consists of A concrete study of people and their needs in times of crisis, and how a counsellor can best help them combined with a minimal but still significant grasp of counselling theory and philosophy. Having conducted independent research on this I think my ideas were accurate though necessarily very basic. Counselling Studies is muc h(prenominal) a huge subject it is difficult to sum up briefly all the necessary qualities a counsellor needs the prerequisite role of empathy and the difference between empathy and sympathy, the need for acceptance rather than advice, could fill up several pages alone. 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