Unit 3- Reflection

So far, personally unit 3 has been the most interesting and challenging part of English 301. We are building off of the previous units and applying the course material to a relevant workplace problem. A limited number of courses are relevant to real life applications. For that reason, I feel fully engaged and enthusiastic about learning our course material. This course has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my time at UBC. I would love to have the opportunity to take another technical communications class, there’s so much to learn!

Formal Draft Report

Creating a formal report draft has been challenging at times, but I have learned a lot in the process. The challenging part is that I have never written anything like this before. I am trying to present my employer with a feasibility and comparative analysis. I have written many science-based research reports, and at this point, I am questioning if I have a draft research report or feasibility analysis?

Research

I found myself going down a wormhole as I researched online. After receiving information from one of my contacts, I learned about a technique of digital radiography that I had no prior knowledge. This started the wormhole. As the research process progressed and I was learning new information, I had to re-think my goals so I would be able to find exactly what information I needed. This was tricky at times, trying to find the balance between adequate but not excessive data.

The survey component was time-consuming, it’s something I’ve never done before. Once I had it completed and posted, it was satisfying to have figured out how to create an online survey. The initial survey included Likert scale type questions and was posted to a private dental hygiene Facebook group. I then posted some open-ended questions to generate a discussion. I was surprised to see that an online discussion had been sparked. Several of the dental hygienists had valuable feedback to offer on their own views and experiences with digital radiography. The additional information will be included in the final report.

Organizing

Organizing my report has been a struggle. I’m surprised I have had challenges with the organization because the previous outline assignments were clear and intended to make organizing the data simpler. Perhaps, I have strayed too far?

I have referred to the textbook and the course blog for examples. The flow of my draft needs some improvement, it will take a considerable amount of time to re-structure my assignment.

Writing

In my outline, I presented a personal bias towards the implementation of digital radiography. As I was researching and writing the draft, I kept in mind that I wanted to present an impartial analysis based on evidence. In order to demonstrate a balanced analysis, I incorporated both advantages and disadvantages in a point-by-point pattern outlined on page 532 of our textbook.

Peer Review

The peer review process has become easier as we progress through the course. Assignment 3.1; writing with a You Attitude hand-out was especially helpful in writing a peer review. The hand-out has several great tips and includes writing etiquette that is often overlooked. The tricky area is de-emphasizing “I,” while still getting the point across, and with as few words as possible.

My partners draft report is organized, and well written. The sequence of her report is in a logical order. After evaluating her report, I have a better idea of how to change some of the content of my report before submission.

ENGL301-JosyJonas-July-172017-Draft-formal-report

Unit 2- Reflection

LinkedIn

The process of creating a LinkedIn profile was relatively easy, this surprised me! I am not technologically proficient, but eager and excited at what I’ve learned so far! I’m feeling more comfortable using the various technologies introduced in this class. I had started a LinkedIn profile a few years ago, but never fully appreciated its value. LinkedIn is a unique business social network that focuses only on professionals and can be a valuable communication tool if used efficiently. The exercise on top ten best practices on proper LinkedIn usage was so important. In researching for this assignment, I now understand the importance of an accurate and professional looking profile. LinkedIn profiles with mistakes can be counter-productive and even damage an individual’s credibility. Establishing connections within my profession will be valuable in networking and for potential career opportunities.

Preparing report proposal and outline

While brainstorming for my report proposal, I wanted to focus on a real-life current problem in the dental practice where I am employed. I wanted to address an issue that if resolved would benefit the dentist/ owner, the practice, the patient’s, staff, and the environment. I’m concerned that maybe I have taken on a problem that is too big? While creating the outline, I started to realize how much research I would actually have to complete, in order to deliver a comprehensive report. However, I think that implementing digital radiography has many advantages, and is a subject that is worthy of exploring.

Peer review

In reviewing my partner’s proposal, I recognize that her sentence structures are strong. She provides all the necessary information in a way that is clear and easy-to-read. I’m now looking at my own work with a more critical eye. I’ve noticed some of my writing is redundant, this is an area I’m going to continue to work through. Another advantage of being the reviewer is going through the assignment requirements again. I can reflect on my own work, and troubleshoot as to what aspects of my assignment could be improved upon.

My peer evaluator has provided me with excellent suggestions in a professional and friendly manner. I appreciate her strong attention to detail.

Peer review for the proposal

revised report proposal-Josy Jonas-ENGL301-june26,2017

Assignment 1.3 required that we write an informational document that defined a relatively complex term related to our professions. I chose to define a common condition and term that I use almost daily as a dental hygienist, bruxism (clenching and/or grinding) one’s teeth. My goal in the original writing was to focus on writing a document that was reader-centered and to provide enough detail while considering a nontechnical audience. I found writing without the use of dental jargon a little challenging initially. I wanted to present the definitions in a brief and concise manner, while still providing all the necessary information.  I re-wrote the expanded definition several times. I kept wondering if I was placing the right emphasis on the necessary information in a way that would be easy to understand.

The peer review process was the most challenging aspect of the assignment. I followed the peer review guidelines in our textbook as well as the provided handout. These resources were helpful in guiding me in providing feedback that was both helpful and constructive. I wanted to provide feedback that highlighted the many positive areas of my peer’s assignment before making suggestions for improvement. I read my peer’s definitions several times, leaving it for some time, then returning to it. I tried to look at the document in its entirety, before breaking it down into smaller sections. My peer’s definitions were well presented, I provided specific recommendations of where small revisions could be made.

Receiving feedback from a peer was valuable and I applied the changes to my assignment. The feedback had a positive tone and felt constructive. My peer reviewer offered some great suggestions on the flow of some of my sentences, and organization of the expanded definitions. She gave me specific references as to which areas needed improvement, I really appreciate the time she took to evaluate my assignment.

Click here for my peer review.

revised definitions 1.3- Josy Jonas

From: jrd27@live.com

To: sabrinaechegaray@hotmail.com

Subject: Invitation to form a professional writing team

Date: May 26^th, 2017

Dear Sabrina Echegaray,

After reviewing your professional team writing application letter, I would like to invite you to join our writing team.

In reviewing your application, your extensive work experience and involvement in a community organization are indicative or an individual who is organized and possesses many qualities which would be an asset to our writing team. I believe your ability to work consistently under pressure with great success in a challenging and competitive program matches our group’s work ethic. I am confident we will work well together.

Please find attached my professional writing team application for you to review. Should you have any questions, please contact me at jrd27@live.com or via text or phone call at 250-534-9206

Sincerely,

Josy Jonas

301 Josy Jonas application letter

From: jrd27@live.com

To: bec.stacey@gmail.com

Subject: Invitation to form a professional writing team

Date: May 26^th, 2017

Dear Rebecca Coleman,

After reviewing your professional team writing application letter, I would like to invite you to join our writing team.

The commonalities in our work experience and commitment to continued education is a strong indication that forming a writing group would be a great fit. Your exemplary learning philosophy and focus on collaborative working relationships highlights your many valuable qualities as a team member. I am confident that our team would be well balanced if you chose to join us; we would support each other in the further development of our English technical writing skills.

Please find attached my professional writing team application for you to review. Should you have any questions, please contact me at jrd27@live.com or via text or phone call at 250-534-9206

Sincerely,

Josy Jonas

301 Josy Jonas application letter

From: jrd27@live.com

To: jcurrie28@live.ca

Subject: Invitation to form a professional writing team

Date: May 26^th, 2017

Dear Jasmine Sookero,

After reviewing your professional team writing application letter, I would like to invite you to join our writing team.

I recognize that we share similar ambitions towards continued education and development. I believe that our group’s work ethic is similar to yours outlined in your application letter, and would complement each other nicely.  Your extensive writing experience and varied skill set would be a valuable asset to any team, and I hope that you would consider joining ours.

Please find attached my professional writing team application for you to review. Should you have any questions, please contact me at jrd27@live.com or via text or phone call at 250-534-9206

Sincerely,

Josy Jonas

301 Josy Jonas application letter

MEMO

To: Dr. Erika Paterson

From: Josy Jonas

Date: May 24, 2017

Subject: Application letter

My application letter addressed to the class has been posted on my blog with a word doc attached.

The application letter includes

• Professional experience
• Academic experience
• Work ethic
• Establishes an understanding and appreciation for collaborative work experiences
• Professional qualities contributing to enhanced group work

Please let me know if you would like any addition information.

301 Josy Jonas application letter

P.O. Box 960

Tofino, B.C. V0R 2Z0

May 24, 2017

ENGL 301: Technical Writing

The University of British Columbia
2329 West Mall
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1Z4

Subject: professional writing team member application

Dear Classmates:

Please consider my application as a team member in joining your professional writing team. I am confident that my outstanding capabilities to collaborate as an efficient and effective team member will make me a valuable team member for your group.

I currently work full-time as a registered dental hygienist and have been pursuing completing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene part time. I began the degree completion process in the Fall of 2013, and I will have completed my degree by the spring of 2018. My experience and commitment to my continued education demonstrates that I am determined, possess excellent time management skills, and am well versed in teamwork.

As a dental hygienist, I possess excellent written and verbal communication skills which could be applied to the various assignments we will be undertaking this term. Furthermore, attention to detail is a necessary quality for a dental hygienist. This ensures safe and thorough care for all patients. These outlined qualities would be an asset to your team’s experience and development throughout this course.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read and consider my application as a team member for your group. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding my application, please phone anytime after 6:00 p.m. at (250)534-9206 or email at jrd27@live.com.

Sincerely,

Josy Jonas

301 Josy Jonas application letter