Unit 2 Reflection

Unit 2 Reflection

I would like to begin my Unit 2 reflection by expressing how time constraints and technical difficulties can affect the quality of writing. I personally feel quite overwhelmed with the amount of assignments to keep up with within a week; and once one has fallen behind, such as I have, the quality of submissions goes down. As well, I have been having major technical difficulties with my Microsoft Surface, which is a real set-back, when in such a technical demanding course. I can see if in a business environment time and tools are of the essence.

I did however enjoy the LinkedIn profile experience. I had a profile prior to this course, however it was very basic. Throughout this course I have enhanced my profile, as well made many new connections, to both people and groups. I believe that the LinkedIn site is a very valuable avenue for personally and professionally networking.

In regards to my research project, it came to my attention that this was a report not a proposal. I approached my report as proposing a program which I see is in need in the industry I am currently employed in. I will have to rethink and revise my report, which I have yet had the time to do as the course is moving ahead quite quickly and I am trying to keep up with the new assignments, which has left me little time to work on previous ones.

Overall, although I enjoy the contents of this unit and find it enriching and fascinating, in all honesty I have had a hard time keeping up. In reflecting on Unit 2 I feel frustrated.

 

Unit 1-Reflection Blog

Link

Unit 1: Reflection Blog

I would like to start off by expressing that the component I found most difficult of Unit 1 was the technical side of this course; specifically, navigating through setting up my blog page and learning how to hyperlink etc. while keeping up with the reading and assignments. I feel that I am starting to catch on and it has provided a feeling of growth and knowledge in juxtaposition to strengthening of my writing skills. The process I have enjoyed the most so far has been to connect with other students in my group and learn how to give and receive critical feedback in the peer review component, which I found extremely helpful.

While embarking on the writing procedure of my definition I started off by selection of a term that I felt was relevant to everyone in our social dynamic, and is a pivotal part of my current career role. I felt that this definition is one which affects our society every day through hierarchies of deviancy yet not a term we would often consider; I wanted to not only educate but also interest my readers on a societal level. I find that my most effective writing style is to just start to type and let the ideas flow, then going back and make the appropriate changes after I have typed up all that comes to mind. In editing my written compositions I find that my weakness is definitely in punctuation and proper sentence structure; as well, at times organizing the information in summarized compact form as I tend to be at times repetitive. I found the textbook contents and formatting extremely helpful with the short detailed paragraphs and supportive images and figures.

With the peer review assignment I became exposed to the process of providing and receiving peer feedback for my definition assignment; I have never done this process before. I feel that the most important component of this process was to start and revisit the positive points as much as possible while providing constructive feedback and advice. Kayla Topham was my peer review partner for this assignment and her feedback was extremely helpful, positive and professional. I appreciated the way Kayla presented her feedback in a clear concise breakdown and format. I have made the majority of the changes that Kayla suggested and I do feel that these changes did make my definition better. In reviewing Kayla’s definition initially I had no idea what anachronism was, however after reading the information she provided I felt educated and enlightened about anachronism, therefore I feel that her definition was successful. As feedback I suggested a few grammatical and punctuation adjustments but other than that I feel Kayla did an amazing job on her definition!

Revised Recidivism definition

Peer Review

 

Application Letter

Hello fellow ENGL 301 classmates,
Here is my application letter in seeking a group to join and work with throughout this Technical Writing course. To begin, the majority of my honed writing skills have been obtained during my UBC educational experience. I am currently in year 4 with UBCO working on my BA as a PSYC Major. In application of professional writing, within my current career position I am required to do daily reporting for my Ministry of Child and Family Development client, where we are to document all of the clients’ physical, psychological, health and all pertinent daily events and facts, including legal critical incidences. This part of my job requires professional and concise writing and communication within an integrated group environment. I also have experience in professional writing as a volunteer with the Crisis Line where we are to document the important information obtained within a crisis phone call. All of my professional writing experience is to capture and record very important detailed information. I do not have much experience in technological networks such as Facebook or making blogs and webpages, so a group consisting of individuals with strengths in this area would be ideal, however I do enjoy the writing and editing process, as well enjoy working in teams. One of my strengths are in resume and cover letter writing. I look forward in finding a group where we can coordinate and leverage off of our individual strengths as to excel in this course together. Thank you very much in advance and please feel free to email me at melodandjacob@hotmail.com, post on my blog, or send me a message through Facebook. Bye for now 🙂 Melodie Bennett

ENG 301

Welcome to UBC Blogs.

 

ENG 301 Technical Writing course is designed to encourage and facilitate professional writing knowledge and skills within an online collaborative team work environment.

UNIT 1 introduces the students to the course contents and expectations; as well, for setting up student blogs and personal introduction presentations. Next we will create writing teams, followed by studying and practicing techniques for writing professional documents, definitions and peer review.

UNIT 2 focuses on writing techniques for our formal reports and proposal writing; brainstorming; networking; resume writing; outlines and progress reports; reflecting; and self-editing. We will be required to participate in our team forum assignments and set up a Linked-In profile

UNIT 3 studies and reviews writing with the right attitude skills and techniques. More work on formal reports will be focused on, and students will begin job/volunteer or graduate school search.

UNIT 4 requires that students develop a strategy for social networking and draft documents for the job/volunteer, graduation school application. During this final unit job application package will be submit; formal reports will be submit; as well, Web Folios are to be complete.

The units of this course are composed of multiple assignments which provide opportunities for the students to apply the knowledge studied in a formal composition. Strategies and processes are pivotal knowledge alongside multiple formats of professional documentation and technical communication skills.

My expectations from this course are to obtain further knowledge of professional writing, documentations and technical abilities, while strengthening my already existing skills and knowledge.