A Report Evaluating ICT and its Implementation for Distance Learners Essay

a) Evaluate how to maintain honorable communication with your tutor. As this is a ego-study course, the answer to this question is a itty-bitty complex. Although t present is an actual physical tutor to mark assignments and give feedback, a vital part of gaining a good grade on my assignments is to repre displace my independent work ability with minimal guidance from my tutor1. Lessons be delivered via the online website, so in a sense the nigh main(prenominal) skill chastise undeni adequate to(p) is to memorialize, re-read, appear the internet to understand any terms which bent clear, and then re-read again. There are two tutors on my course. I sent a broadside of introduction, stating who I am and giving a truncated synopsis of why I am examine this course. Although I am sure that I will devote study think questions to consider later, and possibly requests for much nurture regarding assignment feedback, I imply that at the moment our communication falls with in the bounds of regular courtesy. As the course progresses I think checking my messages regularly, respecting and listening to my tutors feedback, displace a note of ac friendshipment on receipt of any messages, and perhaps if appropriate sending a note if I think there will be an unusual amount of delay in finishing the modules, are around as far as the bounds of the course conquers for communication. b) Evaluate how scientific tools will table service you study.The frontmost thing to free-base here is what technological tools are twain gettable and applicable to me as a hold learner. Essentially the besides tools I will be using are my com come outer and the internet. My computer will be for collating in coifion in my ePortfolio, penning essays, and accessing the internet. I clear divided my ePorfolio into four air divisions coursework, reflective notes, re attempt, and ego-assessment activities. The requisite ICT skills here are script processing, s arsehole ning and printing, drawing charts and diagrams. I completed a course in word processing and data analysis so I am relatively competent at this. save I live with in like manner been refreshing my have it awayledge via the Microsoft subroutine Help, Training and Tutorials page2, peculiarly for drawing diagrams, an area I havent had much delectation for recently. Remembering to organise and archive relevant information and tasks into the appropriate folders, and ensuring that at the end of each building block Ihave created a blanket(prenominal) review of my study methods and what I have learnt are the most requisite components here. In completing this course the internet is my greatest tool, and can be broken down into legion(predicate) sub-categories. Below is a radical corpse diagram of how I am accessing the internet to complete my course assignmentsTo help me enquiry and study, I can go online and phthisis electronic books, journals, articles, videos, podcasts, and p ublications from governances and esteem hash out organisations. I will go into greater detail later, on simply which websites I am utilising. However as a plan example Exploring counselor-at-law skills with an emphasis on ICT.I did a basic search for counselling resources online. I discovered a website run by a qualified, practicing, experienced, counsellor in the UK.3 This website provided me with general information, a PDF ebook on educate to be a counsellor,4 and colligate videos providing online littleons 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 scholarly persons doing a equal course.6 This gave me a list of books and journals that under grades would be using to explore counselling skills.7 I beted at the recommended books on amazon and ordered sample content of those available as ebooks. I then did web searches on the various authors, and contri unlessors to chapters, t o both check their credentials and see if they offered any resources on their practice / university / face-to-face website. I went back to the recommended reading list and looked at the recommended journals and set links to them, eg. British ledger of Psychology.8 I returned to my original search and started study 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 rehearse when researching other more specific aspects of counselling.c) Evaluate how performing a wad analysis can help you study. I was unfamiliar with(predicate) with the whim of tog up analysis before beginning this unit so initially I did some background research on the concept16 and looked at a summary of AuthurHumphreys, the inventor of SWOT, main principles an d conclusions.17 I then searched the internet for ideas on exactly how to identify my own particular strengths and weaknesses. I found mindtools18 particularly stabilising because it gave me ideas to consider as I looked at each section. I likewise 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 several(prenominal) things to consider. I created this chartAt first glance I actually found it quite modify 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 need to consider the threats and weaknesses, they have a circulate less weight in comparison to the strengths and opportunities section. So far as I can see my weaknesses are things I can compensate f or and take hold into account as I study. These are my conceits and solutions for each of them1) Limited preliminary experience of the line of business being studiedThis is only a temp 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 come near future.2) Some cartridge clips overly perfectionist (i.e. I can struggle to remember that by with(p) is better than perfect) I am setting myself time limits on how long I can edit and re-edit my work. I am consciously typography things that I know may well be deleted or completely revised later, simply to make sure I have a base to work from.3) Can become over-involved in studying to the point that other areas of my life suffer I have compiled a circumstantial schedule for myself, to ensure that I can maintain a balance in my life. I have made sure to stop 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) Not having a schoolroom of other students to bounce idea around with may limit potential drop I have been investigating groups of other trainee counsellors and mature students. I have also made sure to check-in on the Oxford College forum20 so I have the potential of meeting otherpeople. I also found the process of self-assessment useful in envisioning 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 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 everything without any panic.Th e threats I identified are intumescently out of my control. I am estimating that it will take me four to six weeks to complete each unit to the best of my ability. This leaves me with a borderline of six weeks free at the end of the two year time limit. I think that this should be enough to compensate for any retardent 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 good 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 ruminative Writing.Reflective Writing is the process used toConsider what you originally thought and what you have learnt. Analyse its implications and outcomes.Consider what you could do dif ferently, what more you could learn, how what you have learnt will simulate you. It is a vital skill for learners at any level, and considered a necessary practise for wellness professionals at all levels. When you write reflectively you use a unique mixture of both academic analytical skills and ease up them to your own personal situation. It was a concept I was previously unfamiliar with. I looked at the general theory behind it on several university websites, I found the Exeter University guide particularly helpful21, and then more specifically at theFaculty of Public health website and how it is used by health professionals.22 Throughout this course it is a good way to look at the teaching 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 crosswise an interestin g theory by Athur Humphrey saying that that the level of peoples work and the effort they put into it is strongly relate to reward23. Later on as I was researching what makes effective learners, I came across a scientific study by behaviour economist Dan Ariely that proved 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 improve 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 bulky part of self-assessment seems to be organisation and understanding. The Black boxful 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 open 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 prov ide a body of reference specific to my needs and learning preferences.f) Consider the Principles of an ePortfolio.ePortfolios are widely used, and an integral component of galore(postnominal) online courses. The furtherance 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 Inter/ field of study concretion for Electronic Portfolio Research29 says they are a way for students to both feed and document learning. Its important to think of an ePortfolio as both a product -a digital collection of artefacts- and as a process of reflecting on those artefacts and what they represent.30 There are three main goals when creating an ePortfolio. Firstly, mapping my progress as a student, to clearly 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 ref lect on what I have learnt.Secondly, my ePortfolio allows me to document my own personal growth, 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 keister for constructing a professional website.Task 2. Collate Web Resources Relevant to advise Studies, and Reflect on What Has Been Learnt.As detailed in section b) I have evaluated counselling resources ba sed on their credibility, i.e whether they are peer reviewed, produced by a national or populacewide organisation, and the qualifications of the author. I have only included resources that meet these guidelines fully or in part. I knockout my web searches on these websites (in alphabetical order) Bielefeld Academic Search Engine initiation.31 BASE is asearch engine for academic related articles, and journals. A lot of resources related to counselling studies can be found there. British connector for talk over and Psychotherapy 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 grown psychology section. It is run by Southampton Univ ersity UK. Columbia University Academic Commons34 gives access to a large number of articles and research papers including many a(prenominal) related to counselling psychology. counselor 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 selection of articles and journals related to counselling and psychology. FreeMedicalJournals39 a website providing access to journals and their articles that have passed their embargo period. Google Scholar40 a search engine for scholarly articles and journals. PubMed41 is a website run by The United States discipline Library of Medicine. It gives access to journals, articles, and reports concerning health. appertain42 is the UK based organisation specifically set up 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 shoot for (the replacement for the now retired SCIRUS)43 Science Direct is a website that allows you to search for wisdom 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 in concert counselling psychotherapists with a broad range of specialisations throughout the UK. It is nationally value 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 parentage UNICEF.47 UNICEF deals with the rights of children and mothers throughout 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 jolly 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 assertable and find articles that specifically deal with the topics in each unit. My preference is to first se arch for articles in well regarded journals, and then to move onto lesser cognise or new 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 Centred 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 practical study of people and their needs in times of crisis, and how a counsellor can best help them unite with a minimal but still significant grasp of counselling theory and philosophy. Having conducted independent researc h on this I think my ideas were unblemished though necessarily very basic. Counselling Studies is such a coarse subject it is difficult to sum up briefly all the necessary qualities a counsellor needs the prerequisite role of empathy and the difference among empathy and sympathy, the need for acceptance rather than advice, could fill up several pages alone. 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