Research Methodology

To develop an in-depth analysis of the subject area, a study will be undertaken which will include a survey to establish what individuals do with their unused mobile phones; this will be a single closed question and therefore will be quantitative data. Documents (including videos and photographs) will be studied and statistics analysed from organisations and commissions and the resulting data interpreted. Primary sources will be used, though secondary sources may also be needed to answer the questions fully. The questions are as follows:
- What do individuals do with their unused mobile handsets?
- Who is responsible for the correct disposal of mobile phones?
- What amount of a mobile phone is recyclable?
- What legislation, if any, is in place?
- What damage are mobile phones causing the environment?
- Are there any innovative mobile designs that are environmentally conscious?

A conclusion to what impacts do mobile phones have on the environment will be made based upon the research results.

Literature Review - Mobiles and Their Effect on Society

Education is one aspect of society that mobiles have an effect on. Castell 2007 states that youth culture use mobile communication as a form of expression. Although Nicholson 2006 found that critics say “SMS leads to sloppiness, masks dyslexia, and essentially signals the death of the English language”. Furthermore teenagers are at threat from being bullied if they don't keep up-to-date with the latest models (McAlinden 2003). Paton 2009 believes that children are being disrupted by "technology obsession". Whereas Lauren Clark 2008 thinks children should be allowed to use mobiles in class because they help them learn.

Work-life is another aspect of society which mobile phones affect. “A profound transformation is underway in the processes of work” as mobiles enable co-workers to communicate and coordinate at a distance (Castell 2007). But Powell 2009 thinks that the use of Blackberries, as well as other mobiles, is leading to blurring of time boundaries, and people need to be aware of their work-life balance.

This brings me on to the aspect of family life. Reimer 2006 states “mobile phone use blurs the boundaries between work and home and cause stress and tension in family relationships”. While Devitt and Roker’s 2006 report ‘The Role of Mobile Phones in Family Communication’ found parents and young people spoke positively about communication and their relationships. Also Arva-Toth 2009 states that the 'Future of Re-connectivity' report uncovered emergence of 'Digital Families', which found 53% of us use cameras to communicate better with our families.

Development of societies has been encouraged through the use of mobile phones. But there is a wide digital divide between developed and developing countries (Hodgson 2007). Tryhorn 2009 found that as developing countries adopt new communications technologies more than half the worlds population now pay to use mobile phones and nearly a quarter uses the internet. Mobiles are compensating for “inadequate infrastructure, such as bad roads and slow postal services, allowing information to move more freely, making markets more efficient and unleashing entrepreneurship” (The Economist 2009). However, some people argue the digital divide has occurred because of inequality. “What people in the developing world really need are water, food, jobs, decent healthcare and sanitation” (Witchalls 2005).

Mobile phones are affecting natural environments. They contain a range of substances that are harmful to the environment, if not disposed of correctly (Kinver 2006). Additionally it has been alleged that radiation from mobile phones interferes with bees' navigation systems, preventing them from finding their way back the their hives (Lean and Shawcross 2007). As we need bees to pollinate our crops to make them grow, this could lead to food shortages. Pasternack 2009 from treehugger.com says “mobile phones are helping to expand environmental awareness, reduce inefficiencies and find solutions”.

Finally one of the largest argued aspects of mobile phones and their impact on society is health issues. Cox 2002 believes that “mobiles provide an interesting example of a source of risk to health which may be largely non-existent but which cannot be totally dismissed”. The Department of Health 2006 states “the balance of current research suggests that exposures to radio waves below levels set out in international guidelines do not cause health problems for the general population. However, there is some evidence that changes in brain activity can occur below these guidelines, but it isn't clear why. There are significant gaps in our scientific knowledge”.

VARK Reflection

My results of the VARK questionaire and reflection on each are:

Visual - score - 3

When I previously completed this questionaie a few years ago I was mainly a visual learner. I was surprised to find that the visual style of learning is no longer my preferred learning style. Although I do still like to use tecniques such as highlighting sections of my notes in different colours. Also the use of videos, pictures and graphs do strengthen my learning ability.

Aural - score - 1

From this score I can clearly see that I could improve on this style. Or at least be aware that I will not intake information from listening on its own. To improve this I need to read and take part in discussions.

Reading and Writing - score 5

I have looked at the VARK website to gain an understanding of how to use this style to my advantage. I now know to intake information I need to use lists, headings, dictionaries, handouts and notes. Other techniques include re-reading and re-writing my notes, and turning diagrams and charts into words.

Kinesthetic - score 7

Being my strongest learning style I am pleased to know that I will learn most when doing things, as that is what I enjoy. It is in my nature to always want to have ago myself and experience things first hand. To intake information I should use laboratories and field trips and lecturers that give real life examples.

SWOT

Strengths:

I am a good communicator and am able to interact with a diverse range of groups and individuals. I am supportive and caring of others, well organized, punctual, enthusiastic and decisive. I have motivation, determination, time management and prioritizing skills and am computer literate.

Weaknesses:

Spelling and grammar along with studying skills such as essay writing and note-taking need to be improved. Also I need develop my negotiation, oral presentation and mathematical skills.

Opportunities:

By learning tools of the trade such as CAD and advancing my knowledge and academic ability, I will extend my career potential. I will make new friends and face new challenges and experiences.

Threats:

My threats are loss of confidence, stress and possible personal problems.

Learning Line Reflection

My learning line clearly indicates the sought of person I am, confident, caring and always up for a challenge. Having three older brothers I was always striving to keep up and not be left out. This made me courageous, confident and gregarious. At age 5 I traveled to various countries including, Singapore, Bali, Indonesia and Australia and in Australia I attended kindergarten. At secondary school I enjoyed music and played the flute. I also was taught how to use computers and developed my first interest in design. As a sales adviser I gained knowledge of hot to be co-operative and as a waitress developed my people skills. When taking my driving lessons and test I became more confident. I did not stay long at college as I had no goals or aspirations at that point in time and so became an apprentice at a local company. There I completed an NVQ level 2 and went on to work for another company where I completed an NVQ level 3. I was always presentable, friendly and polite and was trained to use technical computer programs. When caring for an elderly lady I had to demonstrate my kindness and responsibility skills. Now in my current position as senior sales adviser I am a role model and responsible for the other members of the team. By attending university I hope to gain a recognized academic qualification, to have more career options and further improve my skills.