Finally, I'm done with the web portfolio! Although my orginial had a really pretty background, I'm satisfied enough with a white one - just as long as my information was there! I worked all day yesterday, and I am very proud of my final product. Thank you Scott Wible for guiding me through the semester in my capstone experience!
http://community.wvu.edu/~erh006/
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Writing Assignment # 4: Revisiting your Expectations
When looking back upon this semester and the internship and capstone course, my expectations have been quite accurate. I have learned so much from the Press and the assignments for 491A. It is easy to understand why this is required to graduate. I really does address everything we've learned as English Majors and PWE students. I've applied analytical thinking when content editing Matewan and proofreading Trenchmouth to consider audience objective and understanding. I've constantly been reflecting upon this experience and what I've learned as a result and how to apply what I've learned to my career. Everyday I have to communicate effectively to Than and Rachel so that my corrections are understood and justified.
The poster exhibit is soon approaching and I am still excited and know that I'm going to include the Atlas Maps I've been working on and Matewan, since both have been huge projects. I just can't wait to see what everyone else has designed and how their experiences have been. Also, I am still dreading the web portfolio, but I know I will complete it and it will be fabulous.
I am surprised that the blog became such an important part of the capstone. Although I wasn't always writing on the blog in a timely manner, I still wrote reflections everyday in my notebook. It has become a large part of assessing what I've done and what I am capable of doing. I have really liked reading others' blogs as well to see the interesting projects they've completed and the similar feelings we've all have experienced. This has taught me a lot about myself, my writing, and my end as a college student. I cannot wait to move onto the next phase of my life and I believe that this capstone experience has truly helped to prepare me for what's to come.
The poster exhibit is soon approaching and I am still excited and know that I'm going to include the Atlas Maps I've been working on and Matewan, since both have been huge projects. I just can't wait to see what everyone else has designed and how their experiences have been. Also, I am still dreading the web portfolio, but I know I will complete it and it will be fabulous.
I am surprised that the blog became such an important part of the capstone. Although I wasn't always writing on the blog in a timely manner, I still wrote reflections everyday in my notebook. It has become a large part of assessing what I've done and what I am capable of doing. I have really liked reading others' blogs as well to see the interesting projects they've completed and the similar feelings we've all have experienced. This has taught me a lot about myself, my writing, and my end as a college student. I cannot wait to move onto the next phase of my life and I believe that this capstone experience has truly helped to prepare me for what's to come.
Web Portfolio Planning Tasks
2. My web portfolio will contain projects that I feel I have contributed to or learned from and the different types of editing I've been exposed to. I will include my work on Matewan, since I worked nearly 20 + hours on it, and I made a valuable contribution. I hope that by including my anamoly sheet and a description of what I did, it will be enough to show how much work I put into this project and how it will help the project in the end. I will also include my proof of Trenchmout Taggart because it helped me to learn about editing fiction and the problems that arise. We are also required to include a reflective essay based upon on blog writings. I am not sure how I want to approach this yet, but I know I want to keep a professional tone and show the importance of this experience.
3. I want my web portfolio to reflect...
-what I've learned during my internship and through completing assignments for the 491A capstone course. I hope that I can show how significant the 491A class is to ending my collegiate career and how it has brought all aspects of my degree together.
-the importance of my position at the Press. Although I am only an intern, I hope that through my portfolio I can show how significant the work which I completed is to the projects. And what I've learned throughout college has been applied in this internship.
-my personality and professionality. I want the portfolio to reflect upon my personality and writing style so it stands out; but I want to appear professional too.
-my ability to write and express my experience effectively and in a professional and critical way.
4. Others viewing my porfolio...
- Professors (namely Dr. Wible): He will be assessing what I've learned through this internship and capstone course, as well as what I've gained upon completing my English PWE degree. The web portfolio must reflect upon my experience and showcase my work and its importance to my capstone. The site must also be easy to follow and appear professional with a positive tone.
-Potential Employers: Employers will be assessing my writing skills and the work I've done and contributions made to projects. They will determine whether I would be a positive and worthwhile candidate for job placement. Employers will want to view my strenghts and ability to learn and contribute effectively, as well as see my versitilty as a writer and editor. It is important that they view my site as a professional resume and showcase of what I've done and what I will be capable of learning and contributing.
10. Site Map...
Homepage with links to:
-I am a hard-worker and an avid and quick learner. I hope I can show that I enjoy this work and like to help with projects in any way possible. Also, I want to show that I am dependable, finish projects promptly, and can work with little direction.
-I am professional, yet still interesting and a joy to work with. I work as a professional and address every project in this way. I will work where and when I am needed and do not mind doing 'grunt work.' I hope that through the format of the portfolio and my writing style, it will be evident of my enthusiam and fun personality.
-I want my website to be easily navigable to show my web-abilities, as well as present a clear flow and message.
-I want to include enough information to assess my work, experience, and abilities; but not too much to overwhelm the reader(s). I want the reader(s) to want to continue to read about my experience and I can do this through my writing style.
3. I want my web portfolio to reflect...
-what I've learned during my internship and through completing assignments for the 491A capstone course. I hope that I can show how significant the 491A class is to ending my collegiate career and how it has brought all aspects of my degree together.
-the importance of my position at the Press. Although I am only an intern, I hope that through my portfolio I can show how significant the work which I completed is to the projects. And what I've learned throughout college has been applied in this internship.
-my personality and professionality. I want the portfolio to reflect upon my personality and writing style so it stands out; but I want to appear professional too.
-my ability to write and express my experience effectively and in a professional and critical way.
4. Others viewing my porfolio...
- Professors (namely Dr. Wible): He will be assessing what I've learned through this internship and capstone course, as well as what I've gained upon completing my English PWE degree. The web portfolio must reflect upon my experience and showcase my work and its importance to my capstone. The site must also be easy to follow and appear professional with a positive tone.
-Potential Employers: Employers will be assessing my writing skills and the work I've done and contributions made to projects. They will determine whether I would be a positive and worthwhile candidate for job placement. Employers will want to view my strenghts and ability to learn and contribute effectively, as well as see my versitilty as a writer and editor. It is important that they view my site as a professional resume and showcase of what I've done and what I will be capable of learning and contributing.
10. Site Map...
Homepage with links to:
- Reflective Essay
- Copyediting
- Design
- Other Projects
-I am a hard-worker and an avid and quick learner. I hope I can show that I enjoy this work and like to help with projects in any way possible. Also, I want to show that I am dependable, finish projects promptly, and can work with little direction.
-I am professional, yet still interesting and a joy to work with. I work as a professional and address every project in this way. I will work where and when I am needed and do not mind doing 'grunt work.' I hope that through the format of the portfolio and my writing style, it will be evident of my enthusiam and fun personality.
-I want my website to be easily navigable to show my web-abilities, as well as present a clear flow and message.
-I want to include enough information to assess my work, experience, and abilities; but not too much to overwhelm the reader(s). I want the reader(s) to want to continue to read about my experience and I can do this through my writing style.
Taking Stock # 8
Reviewing my Working Folder:
Throughout the semester so far, I have developed a very useful habit. At the end of each work day, I write down exactly what I did and if I had any comments on the project or how I felt about the project. This way when I work on my web portfolio I can look back at what I've written and based on that write descriptions for my projects. This will make the writing aspect of the web portfolio run smoothly and also help to cut down on the amount of work I'll have to complete at the end of the semester. Plus, I can look back to what I've written to help prompt further reflection of what I've done.
Another great habit I have is making copies of everything possible after completion. At the Press, I am writing a lot of anamoly sheets, so after I finish I print one out for Than and myself. This way I have copies of everything, even if I choose not to use it. Also, whenever possible I make a copy of a marked-up page I've done before giving it to Than. Then I have an example for my anamoly sheet as well.
Throughout the semester so far, I have developed a very useful habit. At the end of each work day, I write down exactly what I did and if I had any comments on the project or how I felt about the project. This way when I work on my web portfolio I can look back at what I've written and based on that write descriptions for my projects. This will make the writing aspect of the web portfolio run smoothly and also help to cut down on the amount of work I'll have to complete at the end of the semester. Plus, I can look back to what I've written to help prompt further reflection of what I've done.
Another great habit I have is making copies of everything possible after completion. At the Press, I am writing a lot of anamoly sheets, so after I finish I print one out for Than and myself. This way I have copies of everything, even if I choose not to use it. Also, whenever possible I make a copy of a marked-up page I've done before giving it to Than. Then I have an example for my anamoly sheet as well.
Writing Assignment # 3: Determining Your Program's Values
The English Program at WVU values many things in a writer and editor; and much of it is what any employer would greatly value as well.
-Analytical Skills: It is important as a writer and editor to be able to analyze the reader, their needs, and the purpose of the work. It is imperative to understand who your reader is, why they will be reading the work, and their needs. Every paper must have a purpose and these are just some of the questions to ask oneself, as a writer, when completing a piece of work. Not only should the reader and purpose be analyzed, but the content itself. A writer must analyze the key points of a work and convey the message based on the previous assessment of the reader. In many English classes at WVU, we are required to ask, who is your audience and why. The work can be extremely different depending on your reader. So, being able to analyze the work based on this will make it more relatable to whomever it is intended to reach.
-PWE (Editing): Here at WVU and Professional Writing and Editing major and minor are offered. This gives many people a chance to expand on their writing skills even if it is not their major. I have met others in the program who are minors and realize the importance of writing for their major. There are a vast amount of jobs in which a PWE minor will help push a potential employee ahead. Writing skills are imperative and it is important for a school to offer a minor in such a field.
Editing skills are also an important part of the WVU English program. As a writer, one must be able to read and reread their document and correct mistakes. Usually in college, students do not turn in a rough draft and then a final draft as we did in high school. High school was to lay the ground work for writers to do this on their own in college. Without understanding and applying edits to one's paper, there is no room for growth and learning. Editing is the foundation in which writers can learn from their mistakes and continue to grow in style and skill.
-Critical Thinking: This is an extremely important skill that I've learned here at WVU, especially in my literature classes. When writing a paper for literature classes, students are asked to think critcally about the text and express one's own opinion. I have noticed in several literature classes the emphasis on thinking for yourself when writing a paper, rather than just writing a summary on the text. Professors at WVU push this ability to assess the text and write a paper from your own idea and to express that idea clearly; but also be able to counter a rebuttal to present the best argument/analysis. This is also an important skill when writing proposals. One must be able to present an idea after critically thinking about all the aspects of the problem and addressing every potential problem.
-Communicate Effectively: In English 302 Editing, we learned how important it is to be able to know why a change must occur and to articulate that to a client in a way they can understand. As an editor, one must be able to communicate to clients and help them to understand each step in the editing process and every change made. If communication fails, then so does the project. The client is the number one concern and if they don't understand your purpose, you will not get hired. In our editing class we did an exercise where some of acted as clients and others an editors. The editors had to explain their intentions and ideas to the clients, but also explain why some of their ideas will be better for the project. This was a great way to show the importance of effective communication between editor and client, but also for us to understand our changes too.
-WVU Writing Center: This isn't a skill, but I believe this is an important part of the WVU English Department. The writing center is a amazing place for students to get help with papers and for volunteers to expand on their own skills too. Whether a volunteer is planning to be a teacher, a writer, or an editor, it is a wonderful place to continue learning outside of the classroom.
-Analytical Skills: It is important as a writer and editor to be able to analyze the reader, their needs, and the purpose of the work. It is imperative to understand who your reader is, why they will be reading the work, and their needs. Every paper must have a purpose and these are just some of the questions to ask oneself, as a writer, when completing a piece of work. Not only should the reader and purpose be analyzed, but the content itself. A writer must analyze the key points of a work and convey the message based on the previous assessment of the reader. In many English classes at WVU, we are required to ask, who is your audience and why. The work can be extremely different depending on your reader. So, being able to analyze the work based on this will make it more relatable to whomever it is intended to reach.
-PWE (Editing): Here at WVU and Professional Writing and Editing major and minor are offered. This gives many people a chance to expand on their writing skills even if it is not their major. I have met others in the program who are minors and realize the importance of writing for their major. There are a vast amount of jobs in which a PWE minor will help push a potential employee ahead. Writing skills are imperative and it is important for a school to offer a minor in such a field.
Editing skills are also an important part of the WVU English program. As a writer, one must be able to read and reread their document and correct mistakes. Usually in college, students do not turn in a rough draft and then a final draft as we did in high school. High school was to lay the ground work for writers to do this on their own in college. Without understanding and applying edits to one's paper, there is no room for growth and learning. Editing is the foundation in which writers can learn from their mistakes and continue to grow in style and skill.
-Critical Thinking: This is an extremely important skill that I've learned here at WVU, especially in my literature classes. When writing a paper for literature classes, students are asked to think critcally about the text and express one's own opinion. I have noticed in several literature classes the emphasis on thinking for yourself when writing a paper, rather than just writing a summary on the text. Professors at WVU push this ability to assess the text and write a paper from your own idea and to express that idea clearly; but also be able to counter a rebuttal to present the best argument/analysis. This is also an important skill when writing proposals. One must be able to present an idea after critically thinking about all the aspects of the problem and addressing every potential problem.
-Communicate Effectively: In English 302 Editing, we learned how important it is to be able to know why a change must occur and to articulate that to a client in a way they can understand. As an editor, one must be able to communicate to clients and help them to understand each step in the editing process and every change made. If communication fails, then so does the project. The client is the number one concern and if they don't understand your purpose, you will not get hired. In our editing class we did an exercise where some of acted as clients and others an editors. The editors had to explain their intentions and ideas to the clients, but also explain why some of their ideas will be better for the project. This was a great way to show the importance of effective communication between editor and client, but also for us to understand our changes too.
-WVU Writing Center: This isn't a skill, but I believe this is an important part of the WVU English Department. The writing center is a amazing place for students to get help with papers and for volunteers to expand on their own skills too. Whether a volunteer is planning to be a teacher, a writer, or an editor, it is a wonderful place to continue learning outside of the classroom.
Writing Assignment # 2: What is Reflective Learning?
Reflective learning is being able to look back upon the tasks and projects that you've completed and assess what you've learned as a result. This is an important task for anyone, but especially for writers and editors. It is vital to know how you learned, how it made you feel, and how it can help you in the future. Also, as an editor you must be able to know why a change needs to occur and how to convey that message to others. By reflecting upon what you've learned, you can become a better editor in the process.
The kind of writer I am...
Over the years I have figured out that I do my best work in the morning, as soon as I wake up. This way there is no clutter in my head and I am clear to work on a given project. I have figured out I do my best work in the morning because I am also a procrastinator. I consider this my biggest flaw, but oddly enough I kind of like this flaw. For some reason, working under pressure with a deadline down my neck helps me to stay focused. Even though it is stressful, it pushes me to create my best work because I am not focusing on anything else but the task at hand. I have gotten better about this since high school, but I still like it down to the wire.
I also like to work at the computer in, almost, complete silence. I do like the library because there is movement and some background noise, but it is still quiet enough to stay focused. Though sometimes I go to the computer last after writing freehand. I like to do this sometimes because then I can curl up on my couch and just write and do the organizing later. This is less stressful and I get all of my ideas on the page and choose which is best when I sit down to type.
I love writing introductions and conclusions. I have a somewhat gift when it comes to these two sections of papers. I have a way of tying them together and usually with a witty end. I really enjoy when I create a paper in this way. It gives it an interesting and fun end that ties any loose ends.
I am not completely sure what this says about me as a writer. I do know that I enjoy pressure, and the stress pushes me to produce one great document, usually. I am a perfectionist as well. I will write a paper and go back over it at least 3 more times until I can be satisfied with it. This helps to ensure that everything flows nicely and is understandable to others. I really pride myself in completing a great work, and will never settle for anything less.
The kind of writer I am...
Over the years I have figured out that I do my best work in the morning, as soon as I wake up. This way there is no clutter in my head and I am clear to work on a given project. I have figured out I do my best work in the morning because I am also a procrastinator. I consider this my biggest flaw, but oddly enough I kind of like this flaw. For some reason, working under pressure with a deadline down my neck helps me to stay focused. Even though it is stressful, it pushes me to create my best work because I am not focusing on anything else but the task at hand. I have gotten better about this since high school, but I still like it down to the wire.
I also like to work at the computer in, almost, complete silence. I do like the library because there is movement and some background noise, but it is still quiet enough to stay focused. Though sometimes I go to the computer last after writing freehand. I like to do this sometimes because then I can curl up on my couch and just write and do the organizing later. This is less stressful and I get all of my ideas on the page and choose which is best when I sit down to type.
I love writing introductions and conclusions. I have a somewhat gift when it comes to these two sections of papers. I have a way of tying them together and usually with a witty end. I really enjoy when I create a paper in this way. It gives it an interesting and fun end that ties any loose ends.
I am not completely sure what this says about me as a writer. I do know that I enjoy pressure, and the stress pushes me to produce one great document, usually. I am a perfectionist as well. I will write a paper and go back over it at least 3 more times until I can be satisfied with it. This helps to ensure that everything flows nicely and is understandable to others. I really pride myself in completing a great work, and will never settle for anything less.
Writing Assignment # 1: Establishing Expectations
I expect this semester to be hectic with classes and 491A. There are a lot of requirements for the course, but I am positive that each one will help me in the future and also apply what I've learned as an English PWE major here at WVU. I am excited to get started with my internship and I believe it will be a great learning experience and really help to prepare me for after graduation. The capstone in general scares me a bit, since I am not sure exactly what to expect and I know the work-load will be great. I am sure I will be able to handle everything, but just looking at the syllabus right now is a little overwhelming.
The most worrisome project that we will have to complete is the web portfolio. I am not a fan of creating websites and I feel that I didn't learn enough in my Multimedia Writing class. I definitely did not master html and am worried about how I will get it finished toward the end of the semester. Also, I am not sure how we will be required to create the portfolio. Will we have to use dreamweaver, html, or a website creator page? I hope we are not expected to use dreamweaver, since I never could master it in Multimedia Writing, but I'm sure Dr. Wible will provide me with the time and question answering that I'll need.
I am extremely excited about the poster exhibit. I attended last semester's poster exhibit and ever since then I've been contemplating how my poster will appear. Although it is kind of early to be thinking about it, since I don't have much material yet, I still can't help it. One person I saw used a great picture of Woodburn and scrap booking paper, which looked amazing. I also noticed many people using black as their primary background color. I think I may use black as well for mine, since it is clean and can handle many colors on top of it. I am an extremely creative person and I know I will succeed in this project because I enjoy this type of work.
The most worrisome project that we will have to complete is the web portfolio. I am not a fan of creating websites and I feel that I didn't learn enough in my Multimedia Writing class. I definitely did not master html and am worried about how I will get it finished toward the end of the semester. Also, I am not sure how we will be required to create the portfolio. Will we have to use dreamweaver, html, or a website creator page? I hope we are not expected to use dreamweaver, since I never could master it in Multimedia Writing, but I'm sure Dr. Wible will provide me with the time and question answering that I'll need.
I am extremely excited about the poster exhibit. I attended last semester's poster exhibit and ever since then I've been contemplating how my poster will appear. Although it is kind of early to be thinking about it, since I don't have much material yet, I still can't help it. One person I saw used a great picture of Woodburn and scrap booking paper, which looked amazing. I also noticed many people using black as their primary background color. I think I may use black as well for mine, since it is clean and can handle many colors on top of it. I am an extremely creative person and I know I will succeed in this project because I enjoy this type of work.
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