[leeb12345]

Hello,

I just wondered if anyone had any experience of M257 (Putting Java to work) and/or MT264 (Designing applications with Visual Basic) and could recommend one over the other?

I need to choose one in order to complete my level two study but can't decide: MT264 for the solutions development pathway or M257 and M256 for the software development pathway.

If I choose MT264, I should be able to collect a DipHe in Solutions development next year with the modules I'm currently completing. However, I'm somewhat concerned that MT264 might be considered a slightly 'softer' option compared to the Java modules. I would probably still take a Java module such as M256 for the 30 point free choice element of the overall Degree though.

My gut feeling was that taking M257 and M256 for the software development pathway might be the better option, however obtaining the diploma/degree is likely to take longer. I'd have to put off starting another level 3 in Feb because M256 clashes and I wouldn't really want to do more than 90 points at once. Also M257 is annoyingly only 20 points, so I would still need to squeeze in another module at some point to fill the remaining 10 point free choice element of the Degree.

Basically I cant decide between the following routes where level two modules are concerned:

• Solutions dev: M255, TT284, M263, MT264, (M256 for the free choice element)
• Software dev: M255, TT284, M263, M257, M256, (left with 10pts free choice to fill).

Ultimately, providing I use the 30 point free choice element wisely, the only difference between the two routes in the whole Degree will be MT264 and M257.

Finally, although I've not seriously considered the future yet, if I wanted to venture into postgraduate study e.g. Computer Science at a reasonably good Uni, could this choice impact my chances, or is level 3 choice and module scores more important?


Thanks for any help/advice,

Lee

[Kate.]

I'd probably go for your 'solutions dev' option. I enjoyed MT264 and felt it complimented M255 despite being different languages. Doing M256 as well also opens up more options for you at level 3. I only did M255 and MT264 for programming modules, and slightly regret not doing more programming instead of T215 which wasn't great - the programming would've been more helpful for the next level 3 I want to do!.

[jumperabv3]

I participated in M250 which is similar to M257, I did like it, however when I've realized this "30 credit course" would count only as "10 credits" for me as I have to complete an additional of other courses I withdrew and took T215 instead.

The change in the course plan happened all because the UK raised tuition fees, and as a result the OU had to change the course plans too, but I am happy with that and don't blame the OU too much for this ... I am about to end T215 now that I only have EMA left to submit (which is very crucial) but I'd choose to T215 over the Java courses ... simply because it's a 60 credit course and it's very interesting ...

However, if you are to choose between the two I'd say go with M257, I did like the Java programming too, just too bad there is no "60 credit course" for it just like T215 is.

[bon_voyage]

I would recommend to check if it is a Visual Basic .NET (VB.Net) cousre. Visual Basic came last time with Visual Studio ver.6 over 12 years ago. Since that time many things changed. In 2000 the first Visual Studio .Net (with VB.Net) released, and over the years VB.Net got even better. Nowadays there is a strong market demand for the .Net specialists (C# and VB.Net).

Openings and contracts with Visal Basic requirement are rather rare. Usually it is a request to fix bugs in an old application or extend a system which was written over 15 years ago.

So, please check if it is VB.Net, not simply Visual Basic. If it is, take that course. If not, opt for the Java course.

One more idea. Go to job portals and search for Java Developers openings in your region and do the same for (.Net and VB.Net Developers) and compare with the number of Visual Basic Developer vacancies (without the the .NET requirement).

You will get the true picture then.
Good luck.

[jamescrowe]

I am just about to start MT264 VB and was wondering if this was a good place to start programming in VB. I have some programming experience with Pascal (from a previous degree in IT) many years ago....and now wishing to update these skills with this course. I am a teacher who needs to introduce programming to the GCSE and AS courses delivered. Any recent experiences of students from this course would be most appreciated....also any advice about reading materials, past papers etc.....