Update

I handed in my learning contract last week but it needed some tweaks. I recieved a virtual sign off from Doug so I continued with creating the briefing document and (finally) signed up for PayPal.
Really hoping to get the learning contract signed today so I can continue with the Information Architecture.

Working away...

Right now I'm taking a break from working on my Learning Contract. Going over the rough draft last week with Doug answered a lot of questions and I think I'm on the right track now. I'm finding all this planning really helpful...it's not something I normally do. At work we don't normally have time to do this much planning (unfortunately).

Learning Contract

Right now I'm working on my learning contract due this week. This is what I have so far for a breakdown:

- Process Journal / Ongoing / 15%
- Learning Contract / Jan 12 / 10%
- Client Contract / Jan 12 / 5%
- Briefing Document / Jan 19 / 10%
- Information Architecture / Jan 26 / 10%
- Initial Design / Feb 9 / 10%
- Site Design / March 1 / 20%
- Programming & Testing / April 5 / 20%

I think figuring out the dates and the percentages was the easy part...I'm now struggling a bit with the evidence and the verification (how are you going to know when you learned it/how are you going to show that you've learned it).
I'm going to fight the urge to reply "You know when you know". ;)

Here we go!

Today was day one of DIGI 496 and we have been introduced to our project for the year. It sounds like this course is to be very self-directed, which can be expected for a fourth year course. The majority of the student are working in groups to create a project for a real-world client. Two potential projects popped into my mind: a website for a folk singer and a website for a music promotion company. However, as I work full time and deal with clients and work in groups on a daily basis, I thought I might learn more from working independetly.

I think I'm going to create my own website for my jewelry company, Namaste Jewelry. I actually find it harder to do my own work than client work so this will probably be good for me. This week will involve drafting up a learning contract as well as a contract between Doug and myself as he will be the client.

This project excites me which makes me think it will be the right one. It can be hard to stay motivated but I think if I'm passionate about it should make it a lot easier!