First system map drawn!

I've just drawn my first system map! It's for Activity 2 of Block 1 Part 2, and looks a bit like this:

And this is why...

My ‘Email Communication System’ map shows the users as being inside the boundaries of the system as a whole, but separate (although influencing/influenced by the ‘Computers and Network’ subsystem. I feel that the users are too important to be considered as merely in the system’s environment, since they play an integral part in how it is used, and what it is used for – the system is likely to change and evolve around them.

Started Block 1, Part 2

Rather a short study session, this one, as I got home fairly late, ate too much take-away, and couldn't concentrate for much more than about half an hour. Must do better than that. I am slightly ahead of schedule though, so shouldn't beat myself up about it just yet.

I've just started Block 1 Part 2, where System Maps are introduced, and it's going to be interesting, I think.

Use the resources that are presented to you!

Note to self: I must use the resources presented to me on a plate - the survey results (of smart home questions) in Activity 5 of Block 1 Part 1, for example :-)

Block 1 Part 1 Study Session 4 (and OU backup method)

Just completed the online parts of Block 1 Part 1 Study Session 4. Within is an explanation of how to upload files as attachments to notes in my T175 MyStuff area, as a sort of backup mechanism.

I've noticed that study session 4.3 states that:

You can use the online journal provided, or you may wish to create your own elsewhere to suit your learning style. It would be a good idea to complete a journal entry after each part of every block...

So, it seems that it's OK to keep it here, hooray!

That's Part 1 of Block 1 completed.

Learning journal in the right place?

Completed studying the printed parts of Block 1, Part 1, including the activities. So far, it's a nice gentle introduction allowing me to take time to find my way around.

I've just noticed in the tutorial presentation I downloaded that I'm supposed to be keeping my learning journal in the Mystuff / Learning Journal section of my StudentHome T175 page. I've enquired about whether or not I should transfer this blog to that place, so I need to keep an eye out for a response.

Icebreaker Activity 7

Just posted my entry for the icebreaker activity (Block 1, Part 1, Study session 3.2 (Activity 7). I recalled an excellent history of computers website that I'd forgotten about and lost the bookmark for - old-computers.com

Now I need to study my printed material a little more, and not watch the Ryder Cup so much!

Intro Tutorial (missed), TMA01 Q1, et al

I was due to attend an introductory tutorial session at QMC in Basingstoke today. I missed it though; I felt like a had a cold, and I probably do. I went to what was probably a similar one for my first module last year though - M150 in Reading's TVU.

Just completed the first question in TMA01. It's important to get the first one done; it acts as a catalyst to continue studying and complete fursther questions.

I've just read in Block 1 Part 1 (2.1.2, The Internet) that "no individual government, company or person has control over it". Not quite the whole story though, as ICANN controls the organisation of internet names and IP address, and it reports to the US govt. Dept. of Commerce - see http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/04/30/235865/Who-controls-the-Internet.htm