170 Small Assignment II Mini Tutorial Prompt

Reflection:

I learned the difference between simply searching on google and researching. As well as the difference in energy and patience required from both of them, researching took more patience and critical thinking than searching. With researching, I learned how to access databases and roughly navigate my way around them without getting lost. It was a bit overwhelming in the beginning not knowing where to start was scary but once I got the hang of things and knew what I needed to look for it became easier and more helpful when writing academically. The only frustrating aspect for me was figuring out what phrases or words I needed to search in the database to get the sources relevant to my research question. I came to learn how inquisitive I am but how easily I can get derailed or lose the bigger picture. At times I found myself spiraling into completely different topics because I found them interesting which was a struggle since I need to stay organized and efficient with the information I was gathering. I also noticed I became overwhelmed when I would get lost in all the resources and readings but It helped me identify a way to sorta reel myself back in. I made mind maps of what specific information I wanted to look for and kept organized notes and systems to not only see the progress I was making but to keep me from drifting away.

The most important skill I’ve learned was graphic design. Being told that I couldn’t use templates was nerve-wracking because I had no idea where to start making my white blank canvas look the way I wanted it to in my head. However, that made me get creative and use resources like watching How To’s online and figuring out the ins and outs of google slides. I didn’t realize how many buttons you could use but I’m glad I know now. It’s also very useful for not only academic classes but for any type of presentation I would do in the future. Another important skill I sharpened during this assignment was understanding how to customize something for an audience. Understanding what a specific audience might gravitate towards and stay engaged with is helpful for pitching ideas to others and creating better presentations overall. 

The words on a presentation aren’t the only thing being communicated, it’s also worth noting the layout and in what manner the information is being presented. I became aware that if I did not do a good job designing my presentation the information wouldn’t have been appealing to engage with. If you aren’t captivating their attention with all the details, designs, and layout all that research wouldn’t have been enough to make anyone interested in what is being talked about. I am most definitely using my knowledge of how to use databases to search for credible sources as well as cultivating the information I’ve gathered in a specific way for a targeted audience. Those were the two skills I’ve struggled the most with in the past but after this assignment, I do feel more comfortable using these skills to elevate my other projects in the future.

I envision these skills becoming especially helpful once I’ve entered the work field by pitching ideas to colleagues, and superiors or having to present my findings or progress to others. I also think these new skills can help me in some of the advocacy work I was involved in before college and am thinking of continuing once I graduate. Organizing events, constructing presentations, or even raising awareness of specific topics take the skill of design work and communication to be able to be done successfully. Now that I have had the opportunity to polish this set of skills I feel more prepared to be able to tackle upcoming challenges in these aspects of my life later down the line.