Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Online Portfolio Response

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-03
Online Portfolio Response
1- What is an online portfolio? An online portfolio can begin as an electronic version of a hardcopy portfolio. The World Wide Web is used to display and distribute our work.
2- What are the differences between online and paper portfolios? A major difference between an online and a paper portfolio is that an online portfolio can be reviewed at any time whether we are there or not.
3- Please list two advantages and disadvantages of online portfolio. One advantage of an online portfolio is that it demonstrates the technical proficiency of its creator. Another advantage is that online portfolios are easier to distribute to many people. A disadvantage is that because online portfolios have a wider distribution, files could be stolen or altered by anyone unless encryption technology is used. Another disadvantage is that online portfolios require specific software and online design skills that not every professional have.
4- In what ways can you use certain visual styles to help you do a good job in your online portfolio? The interface id designed so that users will either already know how to navigate it or it provides users with ways of learning and adapting to the new interface.
5- In what ways can you use language styles to help you do a good job in your online portfolio? Using first person allows short and direct descriptions of the pieces’ histories as well as reminding the evaluators of your active role in the work.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Class Activity/Organizing Information

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-03
Class Activity/Organizing Information
Three different organizational patterns/structures found in the document were chronological, general to specific, and cause and effect. Chapter 1 states the order in which the events occurred and then goes right into what is general and the more specific and then of course what the cause and effect.
It shows chronological order by stating that the “north tower was struck between floors 94 and 98, with the impact roughly centered on the north face. The south tower was hit between floors 78 and 84 toward the east side of the south face.” The following statement shows the cause and effect: “Each plane banked steeply as it was flown into the building, causing damage across multiple floors. According to Government sources, the speed of impact into the north tower was estimated to be 410 knots, or 470 miles per hour (mph), and the speed of impact into the south tower was estimated to be 510 knots, or 590 mph.

Homework #1

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-03
Homework #1

Although college does teach us real-world skills, it is often hard to find the right place of employment that does fit the skills learned. Or perhaps are even over-qualified. For example, my major is social work and the position I have at my place of business does not require a degree. Although in the long run my degree will get me more money, in reality I didn’t need the degree. The only thing my employer looked for in hiring is how the interview is handled. They also look to see if the questions are answered thoroughly and if any questions are asked. The
interview isn’t very hard but it is intimidating at times. The position requires a lot of hands on between the support worker and the client. So I guess in a way if one does well in the interview then they may be able to handle themselves with the client.
So in regards to the first article on the skills the employer wants, the six points were touched in the interview. Critical thinking was used to interpret a situation and what would be done. Communication is needed in the client worker role and between team lead monitors and the supervisors, probably one of the most important skills used on a daily basis. Visionary qualities are as important as communication, because the parents are required to set goals for their children. Self-motivation is also a plus in this company; we have to take an initiative and make sure that the children have the required information needed such as immunizations, dental, and physicals. Globally-minded is a very big point in our business because we deal with different cultures. And teamwork is one way that all of our goals are achieved. The job can not be completed unless everyone is on board.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

What is Technical Writing/A critical response

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
January 10, 2008

What is Technical Writing?

In general, technical writing is a way of communication for not only professionals but everyone that uses writing on a day to day basis. Technical writing can go from business letters or memos to shipping invoices of products being shipped overseas to a grocery list. Even something as simple as a grocery list, these items must be communicated to the person as to what is needed. As well as for the shipping invoice, it needs to be written properly in order what the products to be shipped correctly. And in a business memo it could be as simple as letting everyone know about a party or a budget cut. However the situation occurs technical writing is part of everyday communication that is more and more important as the computer is more widely used. So technical writing may not be used to write on paper such as from my time in high school. I had to learn how to use the computer for research, writing the paper, and e-mailing to the instructor.
So in conclusion, technical writing is a very important tool in our everyday lives whether it be via computer or hand written.

Initial Writing Assessment

Initial Writing Assessment
1. Discuss your major and how you plan to transfer the skills you learn at LCU to your desired career.
I am a Social Work major and I am at the present time using some of the skills already obtained at LCU in my current job. I am a Family Support Worker and am currently working with children and find it very rewarding. So I don’t know if I would like to change jobs later, but this is where I am happy at now and use several of my skills.
2. Describe the types of writing you will (or think you will) do in your career.
As a Family Support Worker I use e-mail daily and write contact notes to the parent on a constant basis. I also go to several meetings monthly that require taking down the minutes as well as notes for future use.
Why will you write on the job? The job is federally and government funded so it requires a lot of documentation
For whom will you write? We write e-mails or memos to our program director, team lead monitor, health assistant, and other personnel.
What types of global or multicultural audiences can you expect? We have several multicultural audiences. The majority of our clients are migrant workers, low-income families, or just families that have come here from other countries as well as from the Katrina Flood.