Presentations are often the most feared requirement in both the academic and professional workplace. This fear is often found in individual as well as group presentations. However, with proper planning, a group/individual presentation can become less fearful. A listing of specific guidelines as outlined in the course textbook along with personal experiences will be discussed later within this blog. First, I would like to discuss the overall group progress. Currently, our group has created a draft brochure. The purpose of this brochure is to successfully assist incoming online English 333 students. The brochure consists of different sections (i.e. technological requirements, frequently asked questions, etc) with the common goal of making the online course experience an easy transition. The group is in the process of providing one another feedback and making the necessary final edits. Our next step will be the group presentation. Listed below are steps to take prior to and during group presentations (as paraphrased from the Writing in Academic, Professional and Public Contexts, 2008 along with personal experiences):
1.Know your audience
2.Relax
3.Create an outline with the responsible person
4.Respect each other’s opinions
5.Decide on format to use (handouts, PowerPoint, etc.)
6.Rehearse
7.Do not rely on technology as a crutch (maintain eye-contact)
8.Include a copy of the document being discussed
9.Offer reasonable time for audience discussion
When the aforementioned steps are utilized, a presentation is typically viewed as a success. In other words, pre-planning is essential in a presentation that is successful and maintains the audience’s attention.
After group discussion and following the previously mentioned steps, I created a draft outline. The outline is as follows:
I. Introduction
A. Who we are?
B. Online Course Pros and Cons
C. Distance Learning at USM
D. English 333 (Technical Writing) Course Description
II. Brochure
A. Purpose
B. Process
C. Components
III. Words of Wisdom
A. Quotes
B. Concepts
IV. Miscellaneous
A. Basic Writing Tips
B. Frequently Asked Questions
V. Next Steps
The above outline is only a draft and will be finalized after more group discussion this week. However, the outline will retain its five components due project management concerns. In other words, keeping the approach simple and to the point.
It is anticipated that our discussion will be 15-30 minutes, unless otherwise noted by course requirements. Of the 15-30 minutes, equal time will be divided among each member of the group. This will be accompanied by sufficient time allotted for any questions from the audience. Upon completion, we hope the brochure and related project material (podcast) will be uploaded to the English Department’s website or a component of future English 333 classes.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Blog Six Group's Project
The purpose of Group 4’s project was to create a document that will successfully assist incoming online English 333 students. The final document produced will be a brochure with the intent of being placed on the English Department’s website. An online course is often seen as a convenient and self-paced alternative to the traditional classroom setting. However, an online course can also be seen as difficult and frightening for those that have little or no computer experience. The brochure and the information within will equip the individual with checklists, facts and proper technological requirements. Currently, a template for the aforementioned brochure has been selected. The next step is data gathering and publishing of the printed media. This report will give details of the work performed to date along with providing any possible issues that may arise/exist.
The work completed thus far on the project has gone relatively well. However, as with any group effort, there is always the possibility of issues that arise. It is imperative to have established or follow specific group dynamic principles to have a successful effort. In working within this group, I have adhered to the following principles:
•Make sure that everyone within the group understands the overall purpose of the project;
•Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each participant;
•Agreement on the form of media or product to be produced (print or digital);
•A list of tasks that will be done by each person;
•Select specific times for group meetings (in-person, email,telephone or other for of technology;
•Distribute progress reports or drafts within the group and
•Decide on which individual will submit the final document or other form of media to the proper individual
As stated earlier, there have been no major problems related to group communications/dynamics. However, the only problem (minor in nature) was how to gain input from other members of the class. It was discussed among those within the group whether to develop a survey and distribute to current class members or a mixture which included outsiders. The decision reached among group participants was to survey only those within the class. Input gathered to make this decision was done through email and phone conversations and didn’t consist of one individual having sole authority. The entire group decided to keep the survey short and allow for some questions that required participants to type responses. Instead of upgrading current software, SurveyMonkey (http://www/surveymonkey.com) was utilized. This is free software that is used to generate surveys that can be distributed to individuals. The only other minor problem is the difficulty in bringing everyone together at a specific time. However, this isn’t uncommon among those with children and hectic work schedules. However, extra effort has been made to select meeting times which doesn’t interfere with work or obligations at home. All three members within the group have communicated through email and telephone. In summary, there have been no major setbacks. It is anticipated that the project will be completed on or prior to July 31st.
The project is now almost 50 percent complete. Among the tasks completed related to this project have been: agreeing on a common goal (creating a brochure to assist incoming online English 333 students), designing a survey to be distributed among class members, distributing the survey and selecting a brochure design. Once information is obtained and tabulated from class members, more text will be placed within the document. A draft will then be completed and distributed among group members in an effort to give a final version to Professor Bandy. Everyone within this group is communicating either via email or phone. The aforementioned action makes a group process a successful venture. When a group communicates—success follows. However, if communication is lacking and a lack of concern exists; a project becomes a burden and will prove to be unsuccessful.
In regard to future projects, I recommend the professor assign personality tests or team building projects to those within the class. These projects will be both fun for class members but also assist in assigning individuals to specific groups. I realize that team building can be difficult to undertake in an online course. However, an in-class session would possibly need to be added to the curriculum. The interaction and results would benefit the instructor and those involved by further strengthening the group dynamic.
The work completed thus far on the project has gone relatively well. However, as with any group effort, there is always the possibility of issues that arise. It is imperative to have established or follow specific group dynamic principles to have a successful effort. In working within this group, I have adhered to the following principles:
•Make sure that everyone within the group understands the overall purpose of the project;
•Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each participant;
•Agreement on the form of media or product to be produced (print or digital);
•A list of tasks that will be done by each person;
•Select specific times for group meetings (in-person, email,telephone or other for of technology;
•Distribute progress reports or drafts within the group and
•Decide on which individual will submit the final document or other form of media to the proper individual
As stated earlier, there have been no major problems related to group communications/dynamics. However, the only problem (minor in nature) was how to gain input from other members of the class. It was discussed among those within the group whether to develop a survey and distribute to current class members or a mixture which included outsiders. The decision reached among group participants was to survey only those within the class. Input gathered to make this decision was done through email and phone conversations and didn’t consist of one individual having sole authority. The entire group decided to keep the survey short and allow for some questions that required participants to type responses. Instead of upgrading current software, SurveyMonkey (http://www/surveymonkey.com) was utilized. This is free software that is used to generate surveys that can be distributed to individuals. The only other minor problem is the difficulty in bringing everyone together at a specific time. However, this isn’t uncommon among those with children and hectic work schedules. However, extra effort has been made to select meeting times which doesn’t interfere with work or obligations at home. All three members within the group have communicated through email and telephone. In summary, there have been no major setbacks. It is anticipated that the project will be completed on or prior to July 31st.
The project is now almost 50 percent complete. Among the tasks completed related to this project have been: agreeing on a common goal (creating a brochure to assist incoming online English 333 students), designing a survey to be distributed among class members, distributing the survey and selecting a brochure design. Once information is obtained and tabulated from class members, more text will be placed within the document. A draft will then be completed and distributed among group members in an effort to give a final version to Professor Bandy. Everyone within this group is communicating either via email or phone. The aforementioned action makes a group process a successful venture. When a group communicates—success follows. However, if communication is lacking and a lack of concern exists; a project becomes a burden and will prove to be unsuccessful.
In regard to future projects, I recommend the professor assign personality tests or team building projects to those within the class. These projects will be both fun for class members but also assist in assigning individuals to specific groups. I realize that team building can be difficult to undertake in an online course. However, an in-class session would possibly need to be added to the curriculum. The interaction and results would benefit the instructor and those involved by further strengthening the group dynamic.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Beginning the Job Search
A job search is considered one of most stress-related activities that college graduates face each year. There are many externalities that exist that make this part of life difficult. For example, no one knows what the economy will be like at a certain point or if moving is really an appropriate form of action. I selected Criminal Justice because of my interest in people and making communities safer, better places to live. However, I also realize that this interest will someday undoubtedly take me outside the limits of this city and the state. There is also the idea of moving my children to an unfamiliar city and the challenges that go along with that action. With the aforementioned in mind, I selected the following four employment opportunities for which to discuss:
•Shelby County, TN (Program Coordinator—Division of Corrections)
http://www.jobs.shelbycountytn.gov
•Lincoln City, OR (Police Officer—Lincoln City Police Department)
http://www.jobs.copcareer.com
•Duluth, MN (Police Officer—Duluth Police Department)
http://www.jobscopcareer.com
•Forrest County, MS (Crime Scene Analyst—Bureau of Forensic Services)
http://www.forrestcountyms.us
All of the above mentioned sites are obviously in different parts of the country but also have many differences in regard to scope. For example, the Shelby County, TN position is a grant-funded position as opposed to the others listed. With all being in different parts of the United States and differences in scope; there were many similarities in regard to their qualifications. These similarities are as follows:
•Associates degree or bachelors degree as the minimum education
•Two years experience
•Good communication skills (oral and written)
•Analyzing facts as a qualification (Crime Scene analysis)
•People skills (general public or elected officials)
•Knowledge of applicable laws
•Computer skills (personal computer or police equipment)
•Passage of a background check
•Basic physical skills (i.e. ability to pick up 75 or 150 lbs.)
Prior to selecting the job four job openings, I assumed my qualifications would not be sufficient or match unevenly with others from those respective jurisdictions. However, I realize that when applying for a job, you must remain positive and better access your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are a year from graduating; effort should be made to look at various openings and see what potential employers are looking for in an applicant. If the trend is weighed more towards those with CPR certification, then contact local hospitals and the American Red Cross and inquire about upcoming courses. In analyzing the positions, I researched my previous employment history and coursework— and list the following as skills favorable to an employer:
•Good interpersonal skills—I managed up to 40 people in both of my previous jobs which included two check cashing businesses along with debris workers during a natural disaster clean-up.
•Excellent Communication skills—managing people in both the private and public sector requires good oral skills as well as written. This includes talking to the general public and writing reports for regional managers and elected officials.
•Knowledge of applicable laws—being manager of a check cashing establishment required me to learn local laws as it related to personal property laws and credit laws. Knowledge of local laws be obtained through research; both online and in the local law library.
•Computer skills—extensive knowledge in all of the Microsoft Office Suite along with municipal and county related accounting software.
•Skillful in analysis—working with FEMA after Hurricane Katrina allowed me to quickly analyze during hectic situations and apply knowledge learned through training to apply to situation(s).
All of the aforementioned skills would be addressed in both my cover letter and resume. In my cover letter, I would concentrate on the skill sets along with my working attributes (i.e. hardworking, attention to detail). The resume would simply outline the duties of those jobs in a way to address what the employer was seeking in an applicant. A heading titled skills would be added in bulleted form in an effort to highlight those skills; thereby, making it easier for an employer to find as opposed to reading through text and paragraphs.
I feel that with the requirements set forth in the announcements, the Lincoln City, Oregon job is more applicable at this time. This decision was based on the minimum requirement of having a high school diploma or GED. I would have preferred the Shelby County, Tennessee job due to its work with fathers and help the families function in more productive environments. Again, this is what motivated me to this major was the idea of making a difference in the community. However, that does not mean that the Lincoln City job would not allow me to make a difference. The difference is that Shelby County would allow more one on one counseling type situations. However, I would mention in an interview with Lincoln City, my desire to pursue community outreach in my position in order to make an immediate and lasting impact in the community. This would be mentioned in the cover letter along with concentrating on my analytical and other skills as outlined above.
•Shelby County, TN (Program Coordinator—Division of Corrections)
http://www.jobs.shelbycountytn.gov
•Lincoln City, OR (Police Officer—Lincoln City Police Department)
http://www.jobs.copcareer.com
•Duluth, MN (Police Officer—Duluth Police Department)
http://www.jobscopcareer.com
•Forrest County, MS (Crime Scene Analyst—Bureau of Forensic Services)
http://www.forrestcountyms.us
All of the above mentioned sites are obviously in different parts of the country but also have many differences in regard to scope. For example, the Shelby County, TN position is a grant-funded position as opposed to the others listed. With all being in different parts of the United States and differences in scope; there were many similarities in regard to their qualifications. These similarities are as follows:
•Associates degree or bachelors degree as the minimum education
•Two years experience
•Good communication skills (oral and written)
•Analyzing facts as a qualification (Crime Scene analysis)
•People skills (general public or elected officials)
•Knowledge of applicable laws
•Computer skills (personal computer or police equipment)
•Passage of a background check
•Basic physical skills (i.e. ability to pick up 75 or 150 lbs.)
Prior to selecting the job four job openings, I assumed my qualifications would not be sufficient or match unevenly with others from those respective jurisdictions. However, I realize that when applying for a job, you must remain positive and better access your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are a year from graduating; effort should be made to look at various openings and see what potential employers are looking for in an applicant. If the trend is weighed more towards those with CPR certification, then contact local hospitals and the American Red Cross and inquire about upcoming courses. In analyzing the positions, I researched my previous employment history and coursework— and list the following as skills favorable to an employer:
•Good interpersonal skills—I managed up to 40 people in both of my previous jobs which included two check cashing businesses along with debris workers during a natural disaster clean-up.
•Excellent Communication skills—managing people in both the private and public sector requires good oral skills as well as written. This includes talking to the general public and writing reports for regional managers and elected officials.
•Knowledge of applicable laws—being manager of a check cashing establishment required me to learn local laws as it related to personal property laws and credit laws. Knowledge of local laws be obtained through research; both online and in the local law library.
•Computer skills—extensive knowledge in all of the Microsoft Office Suite along with municipal and county related accounting software.
•Skillful in analysis—working with FEMA after Hurricane Katrina allowed me to quickly analyze during hectic situations and apply knowledge learned through training to apply to situation(s).
All of the aforementioned skills would be addressed in both my cover letter and resume. In my cover letter, I would concentrate on the skill sets along with my working attributes (i.e. hardworking, attention to detail). The resume would simply outline the duties of those jobs in a way to address what the employer was seeking in an applicant. A heading titled skills would be added in bulleted form in an effort to highlight those skills; thereby, making it easier for an employer to find as opposed to reading through text and paragraphs.
I feel that with the requirements set forth in the announcements, the Lincoln City, Oregon job is more applicable at this time. This decision was based on the minimum requirement of having a high school diploma or GED. I would have preferred the Shelby County, Tennessee job due to its work with fathers and help the families function in more productive environments. Again, this is what motivated me to this major was the idea of making a difference in the community. However, that does not mean that the Lincoln City job would not allow me to make a difference. The difference is that Shelby County would allow more one on one counseling type situations. However, I would mention in an interview with Lincoln City, my desire to pursue community outreach in my position in order to make an immediate and lasting impact in the community. This would be mentioned in the cover letter along with concentrating on my analytical and other skills as outlined above.
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