This unit was very interesting because, along with completing the assignments we had to get comfortable with the classroom structure and the different tools and sites we will be using for the rest of the class. This was a nice primer for getting back into the right mode for writing since I haven’t had a formal english class since my previous degree. I’ll be slowly oiling the rusty joints as we go through the first bit of this course in order to get back on track and get my writing back in order.

Writing the application letter was a great way to understand what the strengths and weaknesses I had and how I’m going to try and work on them throughout the class. Reading the other application letters allowed me to better understand what stood out and what caught my eye. Being the person that was reading the letters as potential candidates for my group gave me a new perspective on what to write in my future cover letters.

The definition portion of the unit was very interesting. I have always heard that someone who truly understands a topic should be able to properly explain it to a complete novice. In this assignment, this theory was put to the test. Taking a complex topic and being able to explain it to a novice was harder to do than I originally expected. Once I had completed my definitions, the process of peer reviewing as well as being peer reviewed both played a big role in how I edited my assignment afterwards.

At first while peer reviewing Daniel’s work I came across a few things he did in his writing that I noticed I had not been doing myself such as multiple headings in my expanded definition, or labeling of my figure. As I was peer reviewing his definitions I also came across certain aspects such as the works cited not being in alphabetical order but the realized I hadn’t done that in my own writing.

Daniels peer review of my work was very helpful, he pointed out how my expanded definition should have headings as suggested by the textbook and also a few tips on the organization of my expanded definition. I took those into consideration and restructured how my expanded definition was laid out. I took into account the errors he found in my writing and used them to polish up the final product to be handed in.

All in all I found this unit to be a great introduction to how this class will be laid out and look forward to the next unit and working with my fellow group mates and classmates.