The first point of this assignment was to construct new chat groups that will last the rest of the semester. Since my last name was not last alphabetically, I was recruited by a member from another chat group who’s last name was last alphabetically. After being recruited, I was appointed as the member of the new group that would set up the new chat group. So, I followed the directions from the “Course How To” and set up the chat group.
After this I had to take a screenshot of the chat group document, and then make a discussion board post in which I embedded the screenshot. The second part of the assignment allowed me to review goals and strategies I had discussed in unit 1 assignment 5. I had to read through them, assess my progress, and follow up with the person I talked with about these goals and strategies previously. I then had to make a reply to my screenshot post, and report my progress, as well as how the person I talked with responded to my progress.
In my discussion board post, I started out by noting that the 6 skills I initially chose were creativity, computer skills, self-confidence, problem-solving, asking questions, and taking risks.
In terms of progress I have made, I think I have made progress in almost all of these skills. For creativity, I have been challenged in many ways to make discussion board posts, chat with others about various topics, and make a daily blog, among other things, which all together have made a me a more creative person. For computer skills, I have had to navigate the course website, an online blog, online search engines, and more, which have increased my computer skills as a whole. For self-confidence, working hard and earning good grades on all of the assignments have increased my confidence in myself and my abilities.
For problem solving, I have ran into different issues with the discussion board and chat groups, and I have used different ideas from myself and Professor Gernsbacher to resolve the issues and end up with proper solutions. For asking questions, I have definitely grown, and have not been afraid to email Professor Gernsbacher when I have a pressing issue. She has helped me a lot on a few different assignments throughout the semester. Finally, for taking risks, trying new things such as a daily blog have helped me improve this skill, by trying new things and expanding my horizons.
The 3 strategies I chose were taking initiative by making sure all of my assignments are fully completed and submitted on time and asking for help from the professor if need be, working ahead by completing assignments well before their due dates, and paying attention to details by copying all assignment instructions into a word document and highlighting steps as I complete them.
For progress with these strategies, I have definitely taken initiative, as I have never submitted an assignment late, and have asked the professor when I have needed help. For working ahead, I have improved with this, as often times I submit assignments 2 or 3 days before they are due. For paying attention to details, I will admit I have been somewhat inconsistent in copying the assignment instructions into a word document and highlighting steps, but I have still been very careful with paying attention to details during each assignment.
I initially told one of my best friends at school, his initials are DC, about the skills and strategies I have chosen. When I told him about my progress, he told me that he was impressed, and that he was glad that I have been able to improve on the skills and strategies. He said he initially was not sure if an online class could truly improve these skills, but now he has more faith in online courses!
Reflecting on this assignment, I think it was a good idea to switch up chat groups. I really did enjoy my old chat group with Weiyan, however, talking to new people will allow me to experience new perspectives, and get to know a greater proportion of the section I am in. This is especially true because I am moving from a 2 person discussion board group to a 3 person discussion board group. I am now with 2 girls, named Erin and Seraph.
Although the first part of the assignment was more organizational rather than learning-based, it still gave me some problems. My google accounts were having difficulty, and no matter what I did, even if I followed the instructions, it would not work. However, this gave me an opportunity to problem solve, including reaching out for help from Professor Gernsbacher, and discussing ideas with my new chat group. So, although this was frustrating, it allowed me to work on some important skills.
In terms of the later part of the assignment, I thought this was a great idea because it reminded me of goals and strategies I had identified earlier in the course. Even though I have followed and built upon most of these throughout the semester, I had pretty much forgot about them and that assignment we had completed. So, this was a nice reminder, and a way to make sure I stay on course in the last couple of months!
Additionally, following up with the person we had talked to previously was cool. It was great to see my friend acknowledge my growth, and to verify that he saw some promise with online courses. This was good because I do think people can get a lot out of online courses, as long as they are structured in the right way. So, having others acknowledge this is great to hear!
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