1. Technology
1.1. Weebly
1.1.1. I used Weebly to create a blog of my progress. Weebly is a simple and free platform in which you can create websites. This was extremely effective in using as a blog as it was easy to edit and get online. This is a skill that I am certain I will use again in the future.
1.2. Prezi
1.2.1. The use of Prezi for my presentation was an excellent choice as it creates a captivating and personalised experience. I feel that in the future this will stop me from being restricted to powerpoint and allow my presentations to stand out.
1.3. Google Forms
1.3.1. I used Google Forms to create a survey to give to the public via social media. This was extremely effective, receiving 103 responses, and will be useful in any further research I do.
1.4. Google Sheets
1.4.1. I have used Google Sheets to do my Gantt Chart. This has meant that all of my planning has been accessible wherever I need it as it is online and I feel is a simpler but just as effective alternative to Microsoft Excel.
1.5. mindmeister.com
1.5.1. This is the website I have used to make this mind map! This has been a useful skill as it avoided me making a messy and unreadable mind map like i was likely to do if i did it by hand. I would definitely use it again.
2. Other
2.1. Organisation
2.1.1. Organisation has always been something I have known I have the ability to improve on but have never really put myself out there to do so. The EPQ has been a perfect oppurtunity to do this.
2.1.1.1. Gantt Chart
2.1.1.1.1. This was a completely new way of organising myself. It is a skill that I feel I am likely to use again when I go to university and after that. One problem is that i found it slightly intimidating to colour a box red when I didn't complete something on time but also I feel that it allowed me to accept this as part of a research project.
2.2. Problem Solving and Time Management
2.2.1. I have encountered a number of problems in the process of this project and I feel I have learnt to conquer them well. In the past I have struggled to keep up with such big tasks and given up when I have become slightly behind. However, through the course of my EPQ i have become confident in reorganising myself and getting back on track.
2.3. Confidence and Presenting
2.3.1. I have never felt extremely intimidated by presenting but my lack of experience in it has led to me not being as confident as I feel I could be. The presentation aspect of my EPQ has been a way of breaking this habit of getting nervous and I now feel much more confident. It has also made me more confident at the prospect of answering other people's questions in situations like this.
3. Research
3.1. Databases
3.1.1. Databases have been key to my project as they have provided me with endless sources. The skill to use them is something that is key in my future at university and in any further research. They have also aided me in learning how to successfully search for resources.
3.1.1.1. Jstor
3.1.1.2. Google Books
3.1.1.3. Gale
3.2. Harvard Referencing
3.2.1. Before my EPQ Harvard Referencing was something I had heard of but had never done and didn't really know what it was. Through the project I have learnt to reference a ranger of materials such as books, journals and emails. This is a skill I am sure I will use in my future at university and in any further research.
3.3. Literature Review
3.3.1. A literature review has certainly been a challenge for me. Although my final project is more of an annotated bibliography, I feel I have gained all the skills necessary for a literature review which will aid me in the future with research.
3.4. Primary Research
3.4.1. Carrying out primary research has given be the skills and experience to do so again. I have gained confidence in contacting professionals and found that the most effective way of doing so is through using the internet to find university professors.
3.5. Dissertation Writing
3.5.1. Learning how to write a dissertation through actually doing it has been an indispensable experience for me. It has allowed me to feel prepared in going on to university next year and I feel like I will be able to go into it with confidence.