Friday 21 December 2007

Semester 1: Performance Evaluation

Now that the first semester is over, I look back upon the 3 assignments that are now completed and handed in and smile with pride. It has, by no means, been an easy ride; however, I never expected my return to education to be anything other than a challenge.

A2 – That’s the Plan!
The commencement of the first assignment saw the introduction to my first formal web plan. Whilst I have created a handful of websites in the past, the process in which I undertook during the design and creation has been completely different.

I have found it very interesting to see how we are supposed to approach design tasks such as this.

As can be expected, the referral of this assignment came as a complete shock. The marking scheme was like nothing I had ever seen before and posed quite an obstacle between a pass and me.

However, following the comprehensive feedback from Steve [the course leader], I was soon back on track. The alterations were minimal and seemingly painless; before I knew it, the resubmission was in and the other assignments were well on their way.

As ever, there is much room for improvement with the A2 resubmission; the thing to remember is that we are students and that the educational journey we are on is exactly that.

A3 – Back to Basics / A4 – Image Rights

With A2 now a distant memory, it was time to concentrate my efforts into the two active assignments, the very similar A3 and the much more creative A4. Advancements in my experience and design techniques give the dual running assignments much more of a professional feel than A2.

My creativity and ability to work under pressure has been explored in quite some depth during the last few months with timed assignments and imaginative web banners.

With every day that has passed since I started the course in September, my desire to be a designer has increased significantly. I consider myself to be a well-motivated individual who has a passion to succeed.

Whist I aim for perfection, there is still much room for improvement; in particular with my time management, or at least the planning / recording of it.

I feel that the quality of my work has and will continue to improve significantly as I progress through the course.

Targets

Short Term [Semester 2]
Improvement of my time management skills during this next semester is going to be essential. Over the Christmas period, I am going to become very familiar with the upcoming assignments, featured on the HND Interactive Media Website.

Additionally, during the upcoming semester, I am looking to ‘raise my game’ and achieve at least a merit in the next assignments.

My design and creativity skills will naturally progress over the next semester; I am willing to put in as much work as is required to further this.

Mid-Term [End of the course]
By the end of the course, I foresee myself being in a very employable position. This is based upon the position that many of the second years and previous students now find themselves.

Before the completion of the course, I predict that I will have completed some ‘outside’ work either as an individual or as part of a small team from the class.

Long-Term [Employment]
I think that everyone is of very similar disposition in that freelance / self employment is the ideal with regards employment; however, being much more realistic, I think that working for a company may be a much more practical approach as much experience is to be obtained by those who have walked the path before you.

In closing, “Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.” – Unknown Source.

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Word Count: 645

9 comments:

Suzanne Hullah said...

As long term goal, I think that freelancing would be achieveable but only after many years working for a company. From this, you'll be able to gain a lot of experience with clients, you'll know the ins and outs of how design businesses work and therefore will have more of a chance of successfully becoming a 'business'.

Rebecca Bradley said...

Its nice to know that you feel you have really improved on when you first started. I think that when looking back at the first units we did I think that you can really see how they have improved to the others we have done.

Michelle Bonfield said...

Freelancing is definitely the ultimate dream. But there's no point running before we can walk. I plan on gaining as much work experience as I can starting this summer. Whether its paid or unpaid every day will be a step closer to achieving the goal.

Tom Smith said...

Good to see that you've thoroughly thought through your targets for the future in a realistic way. I agree that experience i the industry is totally key to being able to successfully become self-employed.

Anonymous said...

Approximately two and a half hours until comments are closed for Semester 1.

Andrew said...

Really well set out targets, organisation is definitely one of your biggest assets Shaun, you always seem to have everything in order; know every deadline, and what needs to be done. This will help you alot down the road, especially when looking at your final target of self employment, it can be the difference to prosperity and bankruptcy.

I feel I've definitely seen the ups and downs of Shauns life was a 'developer' so far, I think it's easy to see how much commitment you have to the course and to the future industry; the big thing is that you enjoy your work. Even when real life stuff gets in the way, you find a smile and get on with your work; it's a quality I really admire in you.

Liam Corfield said...

i think most, if not all of us who reffered were shocked and dissapointed at it. but its good to see that you feel that you have improved over the patst assignments.

Anonymous said...

Semester 1 Journal Comments Closed.

Gary Benn said...

I had the same goal as you, going the freelance route.

After much research I have realized that it may not be that simple to achieve. Whilst it is still my end route goal i think there will need to be several other steps in-between, such as what sue said, employment to get the industry experience.