In this post, I will be explaining how I have changed throughout the semester and how these changes are related to CG1413.
At the start of the semester, I initially felt that this module was not important when reading the description. However, I had learnt this was not so, especially during the numerous projects where we had to work in teams to complete specified goals: CG1102 asked us to implement codes, CG1108 required us to design and build a robot while CG1413 had a problem-solving presentation.
I learnt of the various ways to help manage team projects, through the use of timetables and idea-sharing applications/websites such as Etherpad. These are important lessons to me since I have always had a bad habit of forgetting deadlines and these reminders helped me to focus and schedule my work better. In the future, working in teams will be much easier with these applications.
Acting as the leader for the CG1413 project, I learnt that the leader position is vital to the team. It is from this experience that I found that I am lacking in leadership skills such as people and time management to help encourage the members to work towards the goal. This is one area that I have to improve on in any future projects since this will affect the moral of the team and I would first have to improve on my own time management skills before focusing on a group setting.
I also learnt that various body gestures might be misunderstood by others. While I did know our gestures can have multiple meanings, it was only after watching the various presentations and meeting videos that I realised that I did numerous small gestures that distract or can cause misunderstandings to the viewers. This is one thing that I kept in mind for all future presentations and it can be seen when comparing the first oral presentation to the second, where I tried to keep in mind not to have conflicts between my gestures and my information.
Overall, I think I have improved on my communication skills throughout the semester. I was mainly ignorant of the various small details towards communication and had a slightly poor working attitude. It was through the various experiences of multiple projects that I have improved on these negative aspects. However, there is still much to learn and put into practise.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Post 5: Reflections on OP2
If I were to compare the 2 presentations, I would say that I have improved quite by quite a bit. First off, I'll list the points that I felt I had to improve on in the last OP.
After these 2 presentations, I believe referring to the screen is unavoidable. I personally think it helps to show the audience where to focus and helps emphasize the points I was making.
I also reduced my unnecessary hand movements. During this presentation, I made lesser large movements and instead used smaller movements to help emphasize points that I made. This made it less distracting for the audience and they can focus on the information I was telling instead.
I felt that I was able to talk in a confident manner for most of the presentation. However, there was one major point where I had lost track of what I was saying and fell silent for a moment. This gave off an unprofessional image, since it portrays that I was unsure about the topic being presented. While I did create notes to help, I could have referred to my notes more often to prevent this situation from occurring again.
I also noticed that while I was presenting, several members of the audience seemed uninterested. After reviewing the slides, it was most likely due to the multiple slides filled with text. In the future, it would be better if pictures were inserted between slides to help break up the monotony and attract people's attention. Of course, the pictures would have to be relevant to the topic that is being presented.
Keeping these points in mind, I'll have to strive to make sure my future presentations are better. =)
- Referring less to the screen
- Coordinating hand movements
- Eye-contact with the audience
After these 2 presentations, I believe referring to the screen is unavoidable. I personally think it helps to show the audience where to focus and helps emphasize the points I was making.
I also reduced my unnecessary hand movements. During this presentation, I made lesser large movements and instead used smaller movements to help emphasize points that I made. This made it less distracting for the audience and they can focus on the information I was telling instead.
I felt that I was able to talk in a confident manner for most of the presentation. However, there was one major point where I had lost track of what I was saying and fell silent for a moment. This gave off an unprofessional image, since it portrays that I was unsure about the topic being presented. While I did create notes to help, I could have referred to my notes more often to prevent this situation from occurring again.
I also noticed that while I was presenting, several members of the audience seemed uninterested. After reviewing the slides, it was most likely due to the multiple slides filled with text. In the future, it would be better if pictures were inserted between slides to help break up the monotony and attract people's attention. Of course, the pictures would have to be relevant to the topic that is being presented.
Keeping these points in mind, I'll have to strive to make sure my future presentations are better. =)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Post 4.1: CG1102 Meeting Video - All about me!
Note: In the x.1 posts, I'll be reviewing the previous post and comments while also touching on points I might have missed.
As mention in the original post, I have pointed out several points regarding my body language. This time I will touch on my role in the team.
Looking at the video, I seem to be playing the role of supporter. Most of the time, I came up with the methods to implement the functions instead of coming up with the actual idea for the functions themselves. I would have to be more active in providing ideas in future meetings.
I also realised that I ask questions quite often to help clarify my doubts or to bring up points that I felt were missed. While this is a good habit, since I make sure that I do understand what direction we are going with in the project, some people might be irritated by this since they would have to keep repeating or explaining themselves.
A simple checklist for my personal actions during meetings:
Thanks everyone for the comments. I'll try and put into practice the suggestions made.
While I did read through the lab, I could actually wrote out a pseudo-code/actual code before the lab so I had something to refer to and suggest for future meetings. Also, we would have to adjust our sitting plans in the future. As Ganesh suggested, allowing everyone to view the screen would allow greater participation for all members.
As mention in the original post, I have pointed out several points regarding my body language. This time I will touch on my role in the team.
Looking at the video, I seem to be playing the role of supporter. Most of the time, I came up with the methods to implement the functions instead of coming up with the actual idea for the functions themselves. I would have to be more active in providing ideas in future meetings.
I also realised that I ask questions quite often to help clarify my doubts or to bring up points that I felt were missed. While this is a good habit, since I make sure that I do understand what direction we are going with in the project, some people might be irritated by this since they would have to keep repeating or explaining themselves.
A simple checklist for my personal actions during meetings:
- Keep watch of my facial expressions
- Control how I place my hands
- Be more active in providing solutions, not steps for the solutions
- Keep asking questions - Try to act as the "what-if" guy in the team
Thanks everyone for the comments. I'll try and put into practice the suggestions made.
While I did read through the lab, I could actually wrote out a pseudo-code/actual code before the lab so I had something to refer to and suggest for future meetings. Also, we would have to adjust our sitting plans in the future. As Ganesh suggested, allowing everyone to view the screen would allow greater participation for all members.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Post 4: CG1102 Meeting Video
We recently had our first CG1102 Group Project Meeting. I apologise about the audio quality. We were using the laptop to record and there wasn't an external microphone.
First off, I would like to clarify some points/words that were used during the video in case anyone does not understand programming terms.
Variables - These store certain values or inputs and have to be given a type.
Private variables - These are variables, which are found in classes, and can only be changed through functions
Function - Functions are a series of commands that will work with your data.
Class - A class is a set of variables and functions that limits how a user can access and change the variables stored.
Inheritance/Inherit - The class that is inheriting the other will be able to use the functions and variables in the previous class.
Before the video, we had done some slight discussion regarding how several topics that we were unclear of. We also shared some of our initial ideas about how we thought the project would be like.
After reviewing the video, I realised that my expressions seem to portray that I was angry throughout most of the discussion even though I was just thinking. I guess this is a part I have to work on since people might get the wrong impression that I am upset or rejecting their ideas.
I also tend to cover my mouth with my hand when I think. While this shows that I am actively thinking, it also muffles my voice when I speak, which could then cause miscommunication since people might not hear what I said clearly. I would have to keep check of my body movements in the future too.
Overall, I felt that this meeting was slightly unproductive. I still had some uncertainties regarding the program design. Also, we didn't have a time keeper to keep us on schedule and this caused our meeting to run late. I believe we will have to revise the way the team conducts its meetings, and for me, my body language, for future meetings to improve.
First off, I would like to clarify some points/words that were used during the video in case anyone does not understand programming terms.
Variables - These store certain values or inputs and have to be given a type.
Private variables - These are variables, which are found in classes, and can only be changed through functions
Function - Functions are a series of commands that will work with your data.
Class - A class is a set of variables and functions that limits how a user can access and change the variables stored.
Inheritance/Inherit - The class that is inheriting the other will be able to use the functions and variables in the previous class.
Before the video, we had done some slight discussion regarding how several topics that we were unclear of. We also shared some of our initial ideas about how we thought the project would be like.
After reviewing the video, I realised that my expressions seem to portray that I was angry throughout most of the discussion even though I was just thinking. I guess this is a part I have to work on since people might get the wrong impression that I am upset or rejecting their ideas.
I also tend to cover my mouth with my hand when I think. While this shows that I am actively thinking, it also muffles my voice when I speak, which could then cause miscommunication since people might not hear what I said clearly. I would have to keep check of my body movements in the future too.
Overall, I felt that this meeting was slightly unproductive. I still had some uncertainties regarding the program design. Also, we didn't have a time keeper to keep us on schedule and this caused our meeting to run late. I believe we will have to revise the way the team conducts its meetings, and for me, my body language, for future meetings to improve.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Post 3.1: Interpersonal Conflicts - Reply from a troubled youth
Thanks to everyone for helping suggest solutions to my problem.
Anyway, I called her up after a few days and we calmly spoke it over. We both realised our mistakes and apologised to each other. But.... Even though we finally came to an understanding, this incident will still be in our memories forever.
Troubled
Well, I too would like to thank everyone for their suggestions on how Troubled could patch his relationship. I'm glad that most of us could see that emotions do play a heavy part in how we interpret messages.
Also, I think this scenario shows that communications can be hampered when people are not face-to-face since you are not able to see the subtle body language of the other person. As most people replied that a face-to-face talk to settle the issue would be for the best, I think everyone realised this important point too.
Overall, we must remember that communication can be easily misinterpreted, especially when one does not have the full picture of a situation.
Anyway, I called her up after a few days and we calmly spoke it over. We both realised our mistakes and apologised to each other. But.... Even though we finally came to an understanding, this incident will still be in our memories forever.
Troubled
Well, I too would like to thank everyone for their suggestions on how Troubled could patch his relationship. I'm glad that most of us could see that emotions do play a heavy part in how we interpret messages.
Also, I think this scenario shows that communications can be hampered when people are not face-to-face since you are not able to see the subtle body language of the other person. As most people replied that a face-to-face talk to settle the issue would be for the best, I think everyone realised this important point too.
Overall, we must remember that communication can be easily misinterpreted, especially when one does not have the full picture of a situation.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Post 3: Interpersonal Conflicts - A letter from a troubled youth
Dear CG1413,
I have nowhere to turn to and I figured some anonymous help would be good.
I recently got into an argument with my girlfriend. We were talking on the phone when she started laughing about some guy who was chatting with her on msn messenger. I initially thought it was some harmless event and laughed before continuing our initial conversation.
However, a few minutes later, she suddenly asked me for help when the person she was talking to had asked her for her phone number, pictures and address. He was even making sexual advances on her. Concerned, I asked her to immediately cancel the conversation and block the person from her contact lists.
I was puzzled as to how this conversation topic came up if she had already known the person and when I asked her, she told me that she didn't know the person and was just playing around with him before it happened.
Upon hearing that, I, in a fit of anger, scolded her for being so irresponsible, and that she deserved being sexually harassed since she had started it. She then retorted that she didn't start the whole conversation and that it wasn't her fault. Irritated, I replied that she shouldn't have played around with other unknown people in the first place. After a few more replies, we hung up annoyed and frustrated with the other.
A few days later, I heard from a mutual friend that she was actually asking for help and wanted consolation when she brought up the topic during the conversation.
What could I have done to prevent this misunderstanding in the future?
And what can I do to help resolve this?
Troubled
I have nowhere to turn to and I figured some anonymous help would be good.
I recently got into an argument with my girlfriend. We were talking on the phone when she started laughing about some guy who was chatting with her on msn messenger. I initially thought it was some harmless event and laughed before continuing our initial conversation.
However, a few minutes later, she suddenly asked me for help when the person she was talking to had asked her for her phone number, pictures and address. He was even making sexual advances on her. Concerned, I asked her to immediately cancel the conversation and block the person from her contact lists.
I was puzzled as to how this conversation topic came up if she had already known the person and when I asked her, she told me that she didn't know the person and was just playing around with him before it happened.
Upon hearing that, I, in a fit of anger, scolded her for being so irresponsible, and that she deserved being sexually harassed since she had started it. She then retorted that she didn't start the whole conversation and that it wasn't her fault. Irritated, I replied that she shouldn't have played around with other unknown people in the first place. After a few more replies, we hung up annoyed and frustrated with the other.
A few days later, I heard from a mutual friend that she was actually asking for help and wanted consolation when she brought up the topic during the conversation.
What could I have done to prevent this misunderstanding in the future?
And what can I do to help resolve this?
Troubled
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Post 2: Observation of team behavior: intercultural and interpersonal communication
Once, I was out shopping with my friend when he saw a T-shirt that he liked. After checking the price ($30 for 2), he immediately expressed his surprise at how cheap it was. I was personally surprised at how he could say something like that was "cheap" since this was around the usual price range of the T-shirts that I buy.
You might be wondering, "How does this relate to intercultural communication?" Well, let's review what culture means. After reading from CARLA and WSU, I believe culture can be simplified to mean "A set of shared beliefs and values that influences an individual." Hence, within a country, there can be many multiple groups of people with different cultures.
Usually people think of different races/religions when talking about intercultural communication since language also plays a part in understanding communication. However, I think this is also a valid example of how different cultures can be misunderstood, even when both are speaking the same language. My belief of what is cheap clearly won't be the same as everyone else.
A separate example of cultural differences between countries
Thinking back, I wasn't affected by his statement, since I've known him for some time and am able to understand him. However, what if it was someone who was sensitive to financial issues? They might be hurt upon hearing this statement or, in extreme cases, get upset and verbally or physically assault him.
In situations like this, the listener will have to practise tolerance and active listening. Is he being genuinely surprised? Maybe he was trying to be sarcastic? We must first not be affected by his statement emotionally, since that can cloud your judgment. With a calm state of mind, we can then start analyzing his tone and non-verbal actions to see what he is trying to express.
The speaker also has to practise discretion. If they do notice that the listener is obviously uncomfortable with the topic, it would be better to clarify, apologise if necessary and change the topic to something more suitable.
In closing, intercultural communication is always in our lives and we must always take note that the meaning of a word or phrase differs between individuals.
You might be wondering, "How does this relate to intercultural communication?" Well, let's review what culture means. After reading from CARLA and WSU, I believe culture can be simplified to mean "A set of shared beliefs and values that influences an individual." Hence, within a country, there can be many multiple groups of people with different cultures.
Usually people think of different races/religions when talking about intercultural communication since language also plays a part in understanding communication. However, I think this is also a valid example of how different cultures can be misunderstood, even when both are speaking the same language. My belief of what is cheap clearly won't be the same as everyone else.
A separate example of cultural differences between countries
Thinking back, I wasn't affected by his statement, since I've known him for some time and am able to understand him. However, what if it was someone who was sensitive to financial issues? They might be hurt upon hearing this statement or, in extreme cases, get upset and verbally or physically assault him.
In situations like this, the listener will have to practise tolerance and active listening. Is he being genuinely surprised? Maybe he was trying to be sarcastic? We must first not be affected by his statement emotionally, since that can cloud your judgment. With a calm state of mind, we can then start analyzing his tone and non-verbal actions to see what he is trying to express.
The speaker also has to practise discretion. If they do notice that the listener is obviously uncomfortable with the topic, it would be better to clarify, apologise if necessary and change the topic to something more suitable.
In closing, intercultural communication is always in our lives and we must always take note that the meaning of a word or phrase differs between individuals.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Post 1: Communication and Teamwork: What do they mean to me?
During the previous semester, most of our projects didn't involve group work, with most of the students working on their own. However, this semester turned everything around, with all the CEG modules requiring us to work in teams.
What does teamwork mean? To me, teamwork is being able to work well together with other people, putting your trust in each other and producing a final product that we all agree on.
Working in a team is a lot different from working by yourself. First off, there's the increased pressure from the other team members relying on you to complete your individual portion since each delay would affect the next section. For example, on a previous group project I worked on, there were small delays on each member's section. In the end, we had to rush the essay out after working overnight on it, leaving little time for editing.
Furthermore, teamwork requires you to be able to communicate clearly with each other. How else would you be able to work on a project together if you are not able to understand what the others are trying to do? I certainly wouldn't want to be getting apples after spending an hour describing to you how an orange looks like.
So how do you communicate clearly? While MindTools points out several stages during the communication process, I believe that the choice of the channel of communication is the most important.
I'm sure most have experienced the exasperation of trying to talk to someone in a noisy area. This obviously is not the best method of communicating at that time. Thus, this is why I believe one of the more important aspects of clear communication is the choice of the communication channel since it will affect how clear your message is. It furthermore has the added effect of changing the importance and formality of your message. Imagine SMS-ing your professor asking him for help!
Language can also be included as a channel, since it is a medium for information. For example, when I was studying in Thailand, the people there had some trouble understanding me, as I spoke quite fast and in English, which they were not experienced in, and vice-versa when they speak in Thai to me.
In summary, I find that being able to communicate clearly and being able to work in teams are important skills to posses. With programs getting more complicated and larger, without these skills, it would take a long time to get these done!
What does teamwork mean? To me, teamwork is being able to work well together with other people, putting your trust in each other and producing a final product that we all agree on.
Working in a team is a lot different from working by yourself. First off, there's the increased pressure from the other team members relying on you to complete your individual portion since each delay would affect the next section. For example, on a previous group project I worked on, there were small delays on each member's section. In the end, we had to rush the essay out after working overnight on it, leaving little time for editing.
Furthermore, teamwork requires you to be able to communicate clearly with each other. How else would you be able to work on a project together if you are not able to understand what the others are trying to do? I certainly wouldn't want to be getting apples after spending an hour describing to you how an orange looks like.
So how do you communicate clearly? While MindTools points out several stages during the communication process, I believe that the choice of the channel of communication is the most important.
I'm sure most have experienced the exasperation of trying to talk to someone in a noisy area. This obviously is not the best method of communicating at that time. Thus, this is why I believe one of the more important aspects of clear communication is the choice of the communication channel since it will affect how clear your message is. It furthermore has the added effect of changing the importance and formality of your message. Imagine SMS-ing your professor asking him for help!
Language can also be included as a channel, since it is a medium for information. For example, when I was studying in Thailand, the people there had some trouble understanding me, as I spoke quite fast and in English, which they were not experienced in, and vice-versa when they speak in Thai to me.
In summary, I find that being able to communicate clearly and being able to work in teams are important skills to posses. With programs getting more complicated and larger, without these skills, it would take a long time to get these done!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Introduction
Hello, and welcome to my CG1413 blog. My name is Rayner and I'm in Computer Engineering (Kinda obvious no? Haha) I usually spend my free time either gaming or watching anime.
I have studied in Thailand before, getting an International Baccalaureate Diploma. However, I don't know any Thai words since I didn't really learn it. Not to mention 2 years of brainless activity in the Army has made me forgot the tiny fragments that I do know.
This blog will contain reflections on the topics discussed in each weekly tutorial. Hopefully, I'll be able to inject a bit of humour into each post while still maintaining an academic feel, so that it won't be so boring.
As you can see, I usually prefer darker backgrounds since it's less glaring. But if anyone has difficulty in reading the posts, please let me know. I'll try and change the colours around.
I have studied in Thailand before, getting an International Baccalaureate Diploma. However, I don't know any Thai words since I didn't really learn it. Not to mention 2 years of brainless activity in the Army has made me forgot the tiny fragments that I do know.
This blog will contain reflections on the topics discussed in each weekly tutorial. Hopefully, I'll be able to inject a bit of humour into each post while still maintaining an academic feel, so that it won't be so boring.
As you can see, I usually prefer darker backgrounds since it's less glaring. But if anyone has difficulty in reading the posts, please let me know. I'll try and change the colours around.
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