English 317 Reflection


Before starting the technical writing class I thought I was able to work best independently. I learned so much in the class through collaborative working. Working with a group inspired new ideas in all of the members and was really a pleasure. Working with other people really sparked ideas for some of the projects that we completed in class. At first I thought technical writing was going to be more about e mailing and more commonly used documents. Now I know that there is a whole other world of technical writing to explore. The Usability Test Plan for an infographic that we completed with our group was something really different and fun. I think this class has taught that working together can be a challenge but it often produces better results. I will take all of the tools we have learned through Google, etc. to the workplace. Concepts such as meeting in “real time” and being concise on projects will stay will be in my technical writing future. 

I included the usability test plan, research paper, grant proposal, and a research proposal in my portfolio. I learned so much while completing these assignments. Mostly I learned that sticking to the main point and providing only useable information will get you the farthest. These projects show that I can adapt to do a number of different projects, I am creative, I can work well with others, and I can complete a project that is successful. I gained skills in this course such as using tools online, and also used old skills such as researching topic areas and writing memos. I hope the visitors learn that I am inspired, creative, and well rounded when it comes to technical writing based on the projects that I provided. 

This course makes me a better job candidate for a guidance counselor because I will be able to conduct research to find out what is currently in need for high school age students preparing for college. I will be able to help them will financial aide and grants, and also apply for grants at my place of business to help fund a variety of things for students. While creating my portfolio I chose to stick with a basic color and kept the text to a minimum. For the general browsers, my page in easy to navigate around and easy to read, they can find whatever they are looking for and more if they please. For employers, examples of my work are easy to find and my resume is printable. I kept in mind, things I learned from the class such as choice of font, chunking material, bullet lists, flow of material, etc. I utilized those tools so there would not be an information overload on my page. I learned in the course that you need something ascetically pleasing and also provides an appropriate amount of information so the reader will not be asking questions but will also be able to quickly read through the material.  I also included a reference page on my portfolio to cite the things that I used that were not my own.

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