Communication Challenge 1 As you learn about foundations of communication and interpersonal communication, you are going to complete three Communication Challenge Assignments. These challenges will present opportunities for you to practice and observe your own communication skills in everyday interactions. Some of the challenges may be completed in the Communication Center and are noted with an asterisk. You will complete three total challenges. Choose from the challenges listed below. After completing each activity write a short summary of your experience and connect it to the concepts in class. Each summary should use relevant terminology and concepts discussed in the textbook and use boldface text to identify those course concepts. Your summary should clearly indicate how your experience is connected to the course concepts and theories, and also should clearly demonstrate your understanding of those concepts and theories. Each summary should be single-spaced, a minimum of 300 words in length, and use 12 point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. Type each response into a Word document and upload the document to Blackboard before the due date shown in your course schedule. If you went to the Communication Canter for any of your challenges, you will also need to upload your validated appointment card to the assignment link. For Challenge 1, choose one of the following: Challenge A: Elevator Pitch* You are likely to encounter many situations in which you will be asked to give an elevator pitch, or a short 20-30 second introduction in which you also explain your skills and what you want to do. For example, the first question in most interviews and career fairs is likely to be, ‘Tell me about yourself.’ You will also have opportunities to introduce yourself and talk about your career goals or accomplishments at networking events, conferences, and other unexpected encounters with potential employers or colleagues, so you should always be prepared to deliver your elevator pitch. A good elevator pitch should define who you are and what you do, explain your skills or strengths, and summarize your goals. Write your elevator pitch and practice it out loud several times until you are comfortable delivering it without reading. Video record your elevator pitch, watch it, and revise your elevator pitch as needed. Do this several times until you have an elevator pitch with which you are happy. For your summary, write about the experience of creating and revising your elevator pitch. How many times did you revise and re-record your pitch? In what areas of your communication where you trying to improve and why? What type of impression are you trying to make with your pitch? How do you expect others to perceive you in interactions where you are likely to deliver your elevator pitch? Upload the video recording of your final elevator pitch using Kaltura in the same place that you upload your assignment write-up. *If you choose to use the Communication Center for this challenge, instead of recording your pitch, you will set an appointment in the Communication Center and practice your pitch for a Communication Center staff member. They will record your pitch, you will evaluate it together and then you will deliver the pitch a final time with improvements. Challenge B: Interview Skills* Employer surveys rate oral communication skills as the most important skill for college graduates who will be future employees (Hart, 2015). Additionally, a recent survey showed that 90% of college seniors believed that they had strong interviewing skills, while 60% of employers believe that those interviewing skills need significant improvement (iCIMS, 2017). George Mason University’s Career Services Office offers students opportunities to do mock interviews to build their interviewing skills, including online mock interviews using a program called Interview Stream. For this challenge, complete an interview by doing the following: 1. Go to http://gmu.interviewstream.com/ 2. Press ‘Register’ to create your InterviewStream account. 3. Once you have created an account, you will use the same URL to log into your account using your username and password. 4. Go to ‘Home’ page. 5. Use a computer which has a webcam and microphone. Start practicing! 6. Click on ‘CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW’. 7. Select ‘CREATED FOR ME’ 8. Select COMM101 Practice Interview from the list. 9. Record your answers 10. Press ‘Share’ to send your recorded interview via email to yourself. Treat this as you would a real interview, so dress and groom yourself and carry yourself professionally. After your complete your interview, send the link to yourself and watch your interview performance. If you would like, you can also send the link to friends, family members, or professionals who can give you feedback. Which questions were most challenging for you? How well do you think you communicated during your mock interview? How can you work to continue to improve your skills before your next interview? Please include a link to the recorded interview in your write-up. *If you choose to complete this challenge in the Communication Center you will set an appointment and a Communication Center staff member will conduct your mock interview. Make sure when you schedule your appointment that you include the reason for your appointment and the type of job you are interviewing for so that you will get a realistic experience. Communication Challenge 2 As you learn about foundations of communication and interpersonal communication, you are going to complete three Communication Challenge Assignments. These challenges will present opportunities for you to practice and observe your own communication skills in everyday interactions. Some of the challenges may be completed in the Communication Center and are noted with an asterisk. You will complete three total challenges. Choose from the challenges listed below. After completing each activity write a short summary of your experience and connect it to the concepts in class. Each summary should use relevant terminology and concepts discussed in the textbook and use boldface text to identify those course concepts. Your summary should clearly indicate how your experience is connected to the course concepts and theories, and also should clearly demonstrate your understanding of those concepts and theories. Each summary should be single-spaced, a minimum of 300 words in length, and use 12 point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. Type each response into a Word document and upload the document to Blackboard before the due date shown in your course schedule. If you went to the Communication Canter for any of your challenges, you will also need to upload your validated appointment card to the assignment link. For Challenge 2, choose one of the following: Challenge C: Creating New Relationships Identify someone who lives in your residence hall, is in one of your classes, or who you regularly see on campus but do not yet know. Introduce yourself and start a conversation, perhaps even ask them if you can talk for a while over coffee or lunch. Or, while this class is online, set up a time to talk online via videoconferencing software. Ask a series of open-ended questions to learn more about them, just as you would any new potential friend. Ask deeper and more probing follow-up questions during the conversation. How did your conversation go? Which relationship development or relationship maintenance theories explain your first encounter with this person? How, if at all, do you expect this relationship to continue beyond this first conversation? Explain why you think the relationship will take this direction. Challenge D: Discussing Dialectical Tensions Schedule some time to have a conversation with a close friend or romantic partner who has been an important part of your life for a while and have a conversation about the dialectical tensions that you experience in your relationship. If your friend or significant other hasn’t taken this class, start by explaining what dialectical tensions are. Ask him or her how they think you have experienced some of these dialectical tensions at some point in your relationship, and share your own perspective on which dialectical tensions you have experienced or are currently experiencing. Talk about how you have managed those tensions in the past, and discuss whether you would like to continue to manage them the same way or take a different approach in the future. In your write-up, report on your conversation, focusing both on how you have experienced relational dialectics as well as the ways that you have and plan to manage those dialectical tensions. Purchase answer to see full attachment

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.