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.

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

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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.

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