I really like this class, and I'm learning a bunch of new things. It's all kind of unfamiliar to me right now. When the class began, I felt a bit nervous and had some trouble understanding everything. I've never dealt with electronics like this before, but it's turning out to be pretty interesting. I'm slowly getting the hang of it, and I hope I'll get even better over time. At first, I was a bit shy and felt a bit scared to try the projects, but now I'm more excited about them.
There's this tech project on the website that caught my interest – it's called the sparkle skirt. It looks a bit tricky, but I think if I keep an open mind and work hard, I'll do well in it.
Metacognition and Self-regulation
before starting the project, I try to thoroughly understand the requirements and constraints. this involved finding out information about the vatious components and what function or role they play. Utilizing the information provided in class materials and lectures really helped me understand the foundational concepts required for the project.
Another helpful thing I did was ask for help. I do this through peers and Teaching Assisstants. This helped me understand the project better. Afterwards, i broke down the project into smaller tasks or milestones to facilitate a more manageable and organized workflow.
I remember the software program used to run the code was acting a bit slow which got me very anxious in the beginning, but eventually I was able to maneuver the circuit board and make it blink. Seeking help from peers and teaching assistants was very helpful.
Self-regulation
I would describe my experience with the circuit playground as quite fruitful, and throughout the process, I found myself consciously applying the self-regulated learning cycle of plan, do, and evaluate.
In particular, while working on the music box project, I made effective use of the resources available in the woodworks shop. This endeavor brought back memories of past academic experiences where precision and intentionality were crucial. Just like in those instances, I had to approach the project with meticulous care, ensuring that my measurements were accurate and that each piece aligned properly.
Utilizing the woodworks shop resources not only enhanced the quality of my work on the music box but also reinforced the importance of attention to detail and precision in various academic endeavors. The deliberate application of the self-regulated learning cycle allowed me to plan each step of the project, execute it with careful consideration, and then evaluate the outcomes to make necessary adjustments. This reflective and intentional approach not only resulted in a successful music box project but also contributed to the development of valuable skills applicable to future academic and practical endeavors.
Belongingness
In the collaborative environment of a smaller group, I found a more profound sense of belonging and connection. Working alongside others enhanced my overall experience, fostering a supportive atmosphere where mutual feedback played a pivotal role in my understanding and learning.
The feedback from my peers proved to be particularly valuable, offering diverse perspectives and insights that significantly contributed to the clarity of concepts and tasks. Engaging in group work not only broadened my understanding but also provided a platform for the exchange of ideas, creating an enriching learning experience that went beyond individual efforts.
If I were to revisit a decision to embrace an activity, I would tell myself to open up a bit more and be more outspoken. I believe i would also tell myself to ask for help more frequently.
Belongingness 2
When it comes to belongingness, I think I've been able to feel a sense of belonging. When I first received the circuit playground, i was a bit indifferent. i wouldn't say i was intimidated by it. however, i would say i panicked a little when the software gave errors. It took a while for me to understand how to work with the circuit board but eventually i got it.
For me, factors that I would say are at play in considering the question: "Is this for me?" are how long it takes me to fully understand the topic in question, if I'm able to work independently with said object/topic and if i feel comfortable working with it.
After viewing the images on the homepage of the tech events, I would say its quite welcoming. However, i feel like those spaces are meant for people who are experts or gurus in the field.
For the doorbell project, I would say self-efficacy, mindset and self- regulation played a role. Comparing this project to other moments in my academic journey, I would say my experience here is quite similar to that of the Welcome Bot.
Starting the project, I would say i was not intimidated; i had a strong mindset approaching it. I had a fair idea of what i wanted the project to look like, and TAs helped me put all the components together. I would say the only part I struggled with was getting the code to run.
I tried running and uploading the code several times but it still didnt work. Eventually i got some help which was very useful and progressive.
Cognitive Flexibility
For this group work project, I would say that having multiple perspectives was vey helpful. I t helped us utilize our time very effectively , and each one of us was like a helping hand for the other.
When it comes to my intended major, I think cognitive flexibility could help me stretch in relation to classes i take which may or may not be related to Economics. I think having cognitive flexibility would help me be able to adopt and learn new and challenging things which would make me a more rounded student. Looking back, I would say for most of the individual projects, I frequently got stuck or spun on my wheels. An example was the first paper project. I believe if i had paused and sought other solutions, my outcome would have been more positive.
Emotional Intelligence
I think emotional intelligence would be most beneficial to me in this course. In most of the projects, emotional intelligence helps me a lot because i get stuck most of the time. An example, I would say, was the doorbell project. I experienced some difficulties with getting my code and run, which left me in panic mode for the rest of the project. I eventually sought help, but i think keeping my cool would have led to a postitive outcome more quickly.
Fo the group projects i have worked on, I would say al of us did a good job at keeping our cool and exercising emotional intelligence.
EmoBot
Engaging in this project was quite an adventure. Right from the beginning, our group encountered a challenge that caught our attention. It turned out that our robot wasn't working as expected, so we had to figure out what was going wrong. After some investigation, we realized that the best solution was to replace the robot with a new one.
Despite the initial hiccup, the entire experience turned out to be enjoyable and fulfilling. The process of troubleshooting and deciding to get a new robot was like solving a puzzle together. Each group member contributed ideas and skills, and that teamwork made the project more exciting.
The decision to replace the robot was not just a technical fix but also a collaborative effort that strengthened our group dynamics. It was interesting to see how we all worked together to overcome the challenge. The learning curve was steep, but it was a hands-on experience that helped us understand the project better.
Looking back, what could have been a stressful situation turned into a positive and fun learning experience. The shared laughter, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of successfully addressing the issue made it a memorable journey. It's moments like these that not only teach us about the technical aspects of a project but also remind us of the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and finding joy in the process. In the end, the whole experience was not just about the project itself but also about the camaraderie and shared accomplishments within the group.
Feedback
When I presented my elevator pitch, I got a lot of positive feedback, which made me feel good. However, there was one comment that wasn't so great. It said I didn't seem very confident, and that got me thinking.
I've decided to work on this feedback, especially when it comes to making better eye contact. I want to be more comfortable and self-assured when I talk about things. So, I'm taking this feedback as a helpful suggestion to improve my presentation skills.
Improving confidence is like adding more tools to my toolbox of skills. It's not just about the elevator pitch; it's about feeling more self-assured in different situations. I believe that making these adjustments will not only enhance my pitch but also help me in other areas where confidence is important. So, I'm looking forward to practicing and getting better at it.
Looking back at the first day of class, I would say my level of comfort with presentations and code has changed.
I would say I have improved when it comes to working with code, particularly in areas of mindset and cognitive flexibility. At first I had more anxiety approaching projects and i remember i had a lot of difficulty when i worked with the circuit playground for the first time. I also panicked a lot when i did not reach my desired outcome.
Now, due to more practice and familiarity, I am more comfortable working on and approaching projects with code.
Being a student in the iDesign Tech course has been like a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs. I've faced challenges that pushed me to be tough and keep going. Looking back, I see that being tough isn't just something you have; it's something you learn by facing difficulties and not giving up.
Working in groups has also tested my resilience. Everyone in a team has different skills and ideas. Sometimes, this can be tricky to handle. But by communicating well and staying committed to our goals, my team and I have turned challenges into opportunities. Resilience, in this context, means being able to handle disagreements and still work together towards success. Looking at my first days in class and what the projects I have been able to work on now, I would say there has been a major improvement.
To sum it up, the iDesign Tech course has been a big learning experience. It's not just about learning tech skills but also about growing as a person who can handle challenges, work well with others, learn from mistakes, and take care of themselves. Going through the ups and downs of iDesign Tech, I understand that being resilient is not a one-time thing—it's an ongoing journey that shapes both the designer and the person behind the designs.