Moving Forward- 2013 BRING IT ON

Hey everyone just thought I’d post my New Years update. I began with an overview of last year in my previous post, and outline some of my plans for 2013 here.

Informatics & Student Representation

Buddy scheme- I will begin a consultation with my students about setting up a buddy scheme within informatics. If there is a reasonable amount of interest I intend to formally set one up, using student volunteers to deliver the service. If successful I hope the students really benefit from it and keep it going, and that my predecessor can work to get it institutionalised

FDM- This year I will step up the intensity of the work of I’m doing with FDM Group on campus and engage in more high profile activities. Activities include events, sponsorship and workshops. Stay tuned for more info.

Social Events- I plan to deliver some really innovative and engaging social events for our students. The first will be in mid February, and it’s going to be big! Again stay tuned for more info and updates in regards to progress.

Upcoming Election- I also intend to stand in the upcoming Student Union elections. I will be making an announcement in due course. Anyone interested in supporting me should get in touch.

Academia

eCUBS Project- Will (finally) deliver a fully functional prototype (in the form on an iOS app) in May. Currently working on this project for my university dissertation so a little more pressure is on! The project is the development of an e-learning system aimed at increasing literacy levels amongst schoolchildren aged 5-7 Years old, and the development will continue long after my dissertation is complete. For more info or to get involved get in touch.

Portfolio building- Will work on building my portfolio to showcase my technological skills. My portfolio currently consists of only graphic design work, but I’m looking to expand it into other areas including Web Design and Application design.

Personal Development

Widening Participation- Last month I completed delivering a 6 week programme of mentoring sessions to a set of Year 10 students. At the end of this month I begin an assignment in the tutoring scheme, where I’ll be tutoring ICT at a specialist computing college.

Tutoring & Mentoring- In addition to the university schemes I’m involved in, I’ll also be engaging in my own tuition and mentoring, freelancing and offering my services to students and parents who in need of a helping hand or wanting to excel. These are activities I’m really passionate about, and over the last period have been able to develop high levels of expertise, experience and rapport, winning a couple awards along the way. For more information contact me, or check out the Tutoring & Mentoring page on this site (coming soon).

Guest Blogging / Articles- I wrote my first post one year ago this month, and have been able to achieve some of the objectives I set myself when I started. I’ve also had the opportunity to write a couple guest blogs which have appeared. Look out for an article in CityOnTopic (our university newspaper) on the Crisis at Christmas appeal I organised on behalf of City Volunteering.

Cutbacks- I’ll also be making a couple cutbacks this year. One of the most significant will be me placing less emphasis on competitive sport. I’ll still be working out and competing, however I’ll be taking out more time to enjoy it.