Professional Mentoring Experience - Coursework Example

Introduction The process of assessment, whether formal or informal, intentional or unintentional, dominantly affects people, specifically In fact, the assessment ambiance that is conducted throughout a student’s life is a vital element of guidance and learning. Equally important, the assessment of students experiences, remains with them for a lifetime and significantly affect their capability for future learning (Weeden, Winter et al.). The following is a variation of a model available on (, RCN: Home) to facilitate reflection. It is based on a sequence of questions, which could be used within an assessment relating to self assessment. 2 Self Assessment Currently I am enrolled for completing my bachelors in “Computing in Application and Support”. However, my short term objective is to complete the current semester. Furthermore, my medium term objective is to complete my degree program successfully with terrific scoring points. Moreover, my long term objective is to become a computer teacher/ instructor. However, in the current scenario, I am in the process of completing my short term objective i.e. to complete the current semester with substantial scoring marks. Selecting my current field related to computing contains certain factor that inspired me to set my long term objectives as a computer teacher / instructor. 3 Personality Profile I have a great interest swimming. I like listening to all types of music and attend a variety of concerts and shows. I love to travel and experience different cultures and countries. I also have a flare in learning computing technology in which I am studying in the hope to take my interest as a career. In the year 2000, I complete my ECDL certification from Castleblayney College. In fact, I experienced interaction with computing devices via ECDL. (, ECDL / ICDL for Life - European Computer Driving Licence Foundation) “ECDL sets the foundation for Certified Computer Skills with these three advancements: Communicate with friends and family  Connect with virtual communities of like-minded people through, for example, web browsing, email, or blogs Interact using online technologies, for example, Instant Messaging, webcams, Internet telephony, or online education and entertainment” Moreover, getting through ECDL, I learnt how to utilize the Internet enabled computing devices to interact with online technologies. For example, online shopping, online banking, communicate with friends and colleagues via instant messaging, accessing news etc. Furthermore, after being inspired by the online capabilities of revolutionary technology, I decided to enroll in a website development course from Monaghan Institute in the year 2001, immediately after completing my ECDL. In order to enhance my computing skills, I completed level 5 with majors in Information Technology from FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) in the year 2008 with a remarkable highest grade i.e. Distinction. Inspiration came from personal interest in computing technologies. Furthermore, high scores in level 5 motivated me enroll in FETAC level 6, majoring in Advanced IT and Business Administration. The FETAC level 6 was completed in the year 2009. Moreover, in the same year I was enrolled for a degree program. However, my work experience is contradicting as compared to my education in computing technologies, I maintained a pace for practicing computing along with business administration. There were many options available for me, but the reason for choosing computing technologies is only because of the inspiration from revolutionary computing technologies with new inventions. As I learn more and more, it becomes more interesting for me that also suits my “self motivation” factor. 4 Self Analysis 4.1 Passion Without passion, it is unattainable to become a terrific teacher. If I do not uncover subjects overwhelming, how can I foresee my students to? This is not a significant issue, but worth mentioning, as still it is always vital to accentuate. I have a passion for learning computing technologies. It is viable that I will not accomplish considerable teaching skills at the initial level, but in the end my enthusiasm and passion rubs off. I am never afraid to love something and do not represent it. 4.2 Creativity I always try to solve issues in a creative manner. In order to be effective, custom based lectures and essays help students to understand the scope of the topic. I have to develop armory of techniques. 4.3 Personal Analysis In order to evaluate myself, I am self motivated. I have no fear to take initiatives for any task because I find myself more confident than others. Moreover, I am currently volunteering computer laboratory for computer related troubleshooting issues. I was selected to volunteer because every time I face computing issues, I insist my tutors to explain the process while troubleshooting it. I am enthusiastic to learn new technologies related to computing. I plan my work and write in the form of steps on a paper before initiating any action. Furthermore, I organize and evaluate my approach before implementing the action plan. Likewise, I want to implement my ideas and steps of action by individuals and teams associated with the process. For instance, I want to lead a team every time a course of action is announced. 4.4 Interpersonal Analysis I consider myself an effective communicator. I take ownership and responsibility for one’s message and always attentive to listen carefully. Moreover, I do not repeat spoken words in order to explain what has been said. Likewise, I always maintain a communication rhythm with sensing data, conclusions, impacts and desires. Besides, I always impose myself to extract a different concept with a new level of understanding. However, I am not attentive on my cell phone all the time. This is the area that needs improvement to make my communication better in the social sector. 4.5 Technical Analysis I am related to a field related to computers. Although, theory is an essential part, but without practical implementation is it impossible to govern this field with great expertise. I have conducted various courses related to technical analysis. I have achieved the following technical skills throughout my professional experience and studies: Skills Achieved at Oracle Database Programming National Pen, Dundalk 2004-2007 Web Designing Monaghan Institute of Further Education 2001 Word processing Desktop publishing Spreadsheet Methods Web Authoring Book-Keeping (Manual & Computerized) FETAC Level 5 2007 / 2008 Web Authoring Relational Databases Accounting Statistics FETAC Level 6 2008 / 2009 Skills that will add up in June 2011 are: System Administration Advanced Programming Database Administration Advanced Website Development IT Support Specialization FETAC Level 7 (Current) After completing the degree in June 2011 I can apply for the following positions: Systems Administrator Application / Software Trainer IT Support Specialist Database Administrator Website Developer Webmaster 5 SWOT Analysis Strengths Organized Good Planner Lead from the front Persistent Technical Weaknesses Not good at Cell phone communication Not attentive on the cell phone. Opportunities L7 Qualification After June, Job opportunity Threats Any new evolution related to IT Modification of IT trends in technology 6 Economic and Computing Sector Assessment The evaluation for economic and computing sector is based on the region as well as the capacity of positions related to the degree. However, emphasis is also on computing services sector in Ireland. The assessment will evaluate the economic climate related to computing sector in Ireland. Ever since 2003, exports for computer services faced a mature rise by 76.8% from €27.9 billion to €47.4 billion. However, at the same stage direct expenditure in the Irish economy has declined with 13.1% from 13.1% from €11.5 billion to €10.0 billion. The major contribution was from foreign owned organizations. The stats for the year 2009 reflect 98.2% of exports in the computing sector as shown in Fig 1.1 (Coffey 2011). Fig 1.1 (, Computer Services Exports and Direct Expenditure[3].png (image) ) Fig 1.2 (, Computer Services Services Purchased by Category.png (image)) More than half of the purchases of Irish services are conducted by Computer Programming companies.  Moreover, Computer Consultancy companies purchase the bulk of the remainder with 5% bought by Facilities Management companies. However, the purchases of Irish services by these companies have turned down from peaks as shown in Fig 1.2(Coffey 2011). Fig 1.3 (, Computer Services Total Employees [3].png (image)) In 2008, total number of employments was 52,800. Apparently in 2009, the employment rate has fallen considerably with the figures 49,700. In fact, the 5.8% decline in employment was occurred when export figures raised by 80%. Therefore, increase in payroll cost amplified cost per employee (Coffey 2011). After analyzing the computing sector in Ireland, foreign companies contribute more than the local companies. Career opportunities for the three major sectors including consultancy, facility management and programming are more likely to be achieved. Economic analysis are clearly identifying programming sector shares the major growth. Although there is a slight decline in 2009 and onwards due to recession, a candidate is most likely to get jobs in foreign owned companies. Furthermore, statistics also shows the number of hired employees in foreign companies is much higher as compared to local Irish companies. For a teaching career in Ireland, the significance of consultancy of I.T services, facility management related to I.T and Computer programming is much higher as compared to other computing technologies. An instructor / teacher can fancy chances by specializing in any one of the three mentioned sectors. 7 Plan After analyzing the economic environment related to computing sector, programming companies requires a lot of contribution from the service sectors as shows in fig 1.2. I would like to explore the services related to programming. I will identify the type of services mandatory for the software programming companies. After identification, I will evaluate expertise and skills required to command these services. After evaluation of skills and expertise, I will review my modules in the degree and give more emphasis on the modules related to computer programming services. If some of the modules are not available in Level 6, after the completion of my degree in June 2011, I will enroll in any specialization related to computing services for software programming. However, keeping in mind that my long term objective is to become a computing teacher / Instructor, I must study all contributions and factors related to Irish computing sector. 8 S.M.A.R.T 8.1 Specific For becoming a computing teacher / instructor, I need to identify contributors for achieving my long term objectives. Major contributors are books and Internet. The methodology involves focus on new emerging trends and technologies that are related to computing sector in Ireland. IT magazines, newspapers and articles related to computing and technology industry etc. After completing my level 7 examination, my second goal is to apply to high schools and institutes to start my teaching career from an initial level. However, the best option is to apply in my university for any suitable vacancy. 8.2 Measurable Measurable factor is associated with ‘how much?’, ‘how often?’ and ‘how many?’ factors. These factors are achievable by reviewing newspapers and Information technology related news on a daily basis. Moreover, Research on the Internet is the best option to analyze computing technology. As a result, a tutor will be well informed on technological evolutions related to computing within the region. Review of various weekly articles related to Information technology magazine will enhance the teaching methodology. 8.3 Attainable This factor is related to the success of what I want to accomplish is achievable or not? My ultimate goal is to become a computing teacher / instructor. After the completion of my Level 7 qualification, I can certainly achieve what I want to become. However, to keep up the pace with the technology enhancements and new inventions, regular updating is required in terms of reviewing books from different authors, scholarly articles, research databases and vice versa. 8.4 Relevant However, it is vital to search for information related to the topic. The question is what I want to ultimately achieve? I want to be an effective teacher / Instructor. Moreover, I want to plan my activities and studies related to “how to become an effective teacher / Instructor” 8.5 Time After completing my degree in June 2011, i.e. after 5 months I will apply in different institutes, colleges, schools or even apply in my university for any possible vacancies to start my teaching career. References WEEDEN, P., WINTER, J. and BROADFOOT, P., Assessment London ; RoutledgeFalmer, 2002. , RCN: Home . Available: http://www.rcn.org.uk/ [2/1/2011, 2011]. , ECDL / ICDL for Life - European Computer Driving Licence Foundation . Available: http://www.ecdl.org/index.jsp?p=98&n=217 [2/1/2011, 2011]. COFFEY, S., 2011. The Computer Services Sector in Ireland Economic Incentives, . Images , Computer Services Services Purchased by Category.png (image) . Available: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_iSagC8HPtNA/TUFj2WulKuI/AAAAAAAACiA/g7xdPpF7nf4/s1600-h/Computer Services Services Purchased by Category.png [2/1/2011, 2011]. , Computer Services Exports and Direct Expenditure[3].png (image) . Available: http://lh5.ggpht.com/_iSagC8HPtNA/TUFJ2ughjOI/AAAAAAAACg4/HLgg39G2z9E/s1600-h/Computer Services Exports and Direct Expenditure[3].png [2/2/2011, 2011]. , Computer Services Total Employees[3].png (image) . Available: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_iSagC8HPtNA/TUFJ9Da-qLI/AAAAAAAACiY/2WnYueKsC1A/s1600-h/Computer Services Total Employees[3].png [2/2/2011, 2011]. Read More