Final Self-Assessment & Reflection Overview Now that you have completed your work for the ‘With Social and Global Implications’ aspect of your Engineering Economics course, you will be asked to reflect on your intercultural, team, and interpersonal communication experiences, understandings, and expectations. Each question is listed on its own page. Enter your answers in the spaces provided for you under each question. Some questions are multi-part with all parts included as part of the same table. This is a reflection assignment, and there are no right or wrong answers. However, there are complete and incomplete answers, thoughtful and shallow answers, and answers given in good- or bad-faith1. Your responses will be assessed in terms of thoughtfulness, completeness, and whether they were given in good faith. Full Credit Extra Credit Students have the chance to earn 5 points of extra credit for earning full credit on this assignment. Because the grading parameters for this assignment are based on thoughtfulness, completeness, and good-faith engagement, you can basically earn extra credit for replying sincerely and not phoning it in. The extra credit applies ONLY to the communication assignments in this class, so if you missed points on GEA/communication assignments this semester, this is your last opportunity to make some of those up. Completion and Submission ”’Download this document and include your answers in the text boxes provided for you. Save the document as a PDF using the ‘Save As’ option and: o Add your last name to the end of the file name o Save as a PDF file Upload your PDF file to the Canvas assignment o The due date for this assignment is Thursday, July 22 o You have 5-day grace period through Tuesday, July 27. Once this grace period has ended, the assignment will not be reopened for any reason, as all grading for my part of all sections of all courses I am involved with must be completed the following week. 1 For our purposes here, ‘good faith’ can be understood to mean that you answered with sincerity, honesty, integrity, care, and fairness. EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |1 Question 1: Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal communication is much more than simply talking to other people. Describe your understanding of interpersonal communication in your responses below. Be sure to include specific IPC practices, theories, and principles that you read about, wrote about, discussed, and experienced throughout the semester. A. In the box below, describe your understanding of what “interpersonal communication” is (75150 words). [include your response here] B. Based on your perspective and experience, why is interpersonal communication important? (~50-150 words) [include your response here] C. Based on your perspective and experience, and considering your thoughts from B above, what role do you think interpersonal communication will play in your professional life? Why? [include your response here] EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |2 Question 2: Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication ~1-2 paragraphs Strong professional relationships and cohesive, well-functioning teams require the individuals develop an ability and willingness to learn, consider, and even think from others’ perspectives. The ability to do this well requires several elements, including that you are familiar with and able to critically consider your own cultural rules and biases. How has your cultural awareness and intercultural competence improved, deepened, widened, or otherwise changed over the course of the semester? In your response, address the following: ”How do you think your culture’s rules and biases, especially pertaining to communication, might affect communication between professionals and within teams? o Are there any examples you can draw on from your team’s interactions this semester, such as differences in direct/indirect communication, differences in verbal/nonverbal communication, differences in perceptions (including co-cultures), etc.? How you perceived others in your group as team members at the start of the semester, and how your perceptions changed throughout the semester. o You should offer a general overview, but you might choose to focus on a specific example, especially if you feel that your perception changed significantly. o What factors led to the change? [include your response here] EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |3 Question 3: Audience Centered Communication This semester you were asked to develop communication artifacts (e.g. emails and a PowerPoint presentation) aimed toward a specific audience. Please answer the questions below: A. What is ‘audience centered communication?’ Your response must be specific. (~75 words) [include your response here] B. Based on your understanding of audience centered communication, describe the benefits of using audience centered communication in professional settings. (~75-150 words) [include your response here] C. What steps must you take to ensure that your communications (including emails, presentations, proposals, reports, public addresses, etc.) are audience centered? Be specific and include examples. (~100-150 words) [include your response here] EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |4 Question 4: Engineering Economics and Communication The title of this course is ‘Engineering Economics with Social and Global Implications.’ As part of this course, you were asked to learn about the technical aspects of Engineering economics while also considering the social and global impacts of economic decision making. To help you think through broad economic impacts, you were asked to examine the role that communication plays as part of engineering project development as well as part of client/engineer relationships. Given what you know about interpersonal, intercultural, and audience-centered communication, how might interpersonal and intercultural factors impact discussions about and the presentation of economic factors related to engineering projects? In other words, how might interpersonal and intercultural factors affect the ways we communicate about and understand costs, benefits, value, and worth? Type your answer in the box below. (~1 paragraph) [include your response here] EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |5 Question 5: Professional Communicator ~1 paragraph In your professional life, you will be required to communicate with a variety of people in a variety of contexts, using a variety of platforms and channels. For some, the sweeping importance of communication is obvious; for example, most medical school students recognize communication as a core part of their professional identities and a critically important part of their field. But for others, the importance of communication may be less obvious; for example, most science, engineering, and computer science students do not realize that they will spend over 60% of their professional life communicating, and do not yet realize the critical importance of competent communication in their fields. How do you conceptualize communication as part of your (future) professional identity? In your response, address the following: ””’What is your target professional career? What role do you think communication plays in that career? How do you personally identify as a communicator? How would you describe your identity as a communicator? How do you identify as a communicator in relation to the profession/career you aspire to (that which you are studying for)? [include your response here] EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |6 Question 6: Greatest Take-away ~1 paragraph What was your greatest/most impactful take-away from the ‘with Social and Global Implications’ portion of the course? Moving forward, what will you do with this take-away? In other words, how will you use what you learned from this insight? [include your response here] EGN 3615 | Dr. J. Burchfield | Spring, 2021 P a g e |7

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.