Computer Applications – Assignment 1 Report –

Finished Website – https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/pdunne2/

The Task –

 

In assignment 1 of computer applications, we were tasked with creating a reviewing website, complete with two reviews of a digital learning software, and to create the website using WordPress. The aim of this assignment was to demonstrate improved knowledge and skills in evaluating and making use of online tools.

 

The Stages of Production –

 

I decided I would start my website, with the content. This meant I would start with my reviews of digital learning software. This is where my first issue came up, as I couldn’t think of any digital learning software that I was confident enough with to be able to write a substantial, comprehensive review. I eventually decided I would write one on Autograph 3.3, a program I used in my A-Levels. I downloaded I free trial of the software and began to play around with it, seeing how easy it was to use, and what functions it could carry out. From this I wrote up a review of the program, taking screenshots to reference in the review.

I then decided I would write my second review on DuoLingo, the language learning software. This review I found easier as DuoLingo is designed for all people, not just maths students meaning the app was much easier to use and therefore easier to get enough time with to write a review of.

Once my reviews were written up I then moved on to the design of the website itself. First I set up my Newcastle WordPress account and began formatting the page. The page followed a given format:

 

I found it difficult to use WordPress at first, taking some time trying to get menus to show up on the left hand side of the page and a search bar at the top. Finally I wrote the about page, simply saying who I am where I am from and what I am studying at Newcastle University.

Once my website was finished I wrote up this report explain the process and other parts of the assignment.

 

Challenging and Easy Parts of the Process –

 

The parts I found easiest were that actual reviews, this is because you are simply giving your own opinion and writing it up on a word document. As I have had many hours of experience with Microsoft Word and taking screenshots, it meant there were no technical difficulties when writing the reviews. In contrast to this I had never used WordPress meaning I found it very difficult, even with simple tasks such as adding the pictures to the review. As I could not directly add the word document to WordPress I copied and pasted the document into WordPress’ own text box system, however the pictures did not transfer. I eventually solved by manually adding each picture and dragging it to its home location.

Overall I would say I eventual got a grasp on WordPress making it much easier for me to get the given look I wanted in my website.

In summary I found the assignment difficult at times but overall I feel it has been a success.