CST300 - Week 8

Lecture: Week 8 Learning Journal Post

Week 8 marks the end of this course. The team worked tirelessly to finish the video project. It was a great experience to work and socialize at the same time. I loved this project so much, and it was a break from the traditional tasks. Below are my reviews for four interesting videos that other team members produced. 

Here are the links to the final research video project:

** Long Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhwvHQ8KEgo

 

**  Short Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R8oSiF619I

 

 

Part 1: Review Other Teams' final video projects

1- Generative AI in Gaming by Enhydra Engineering

The video covers the implementation of using generative AI in the gaming industry. The topic is covered well with a focused central idea on three types of AI implementation. Although the transition sentences made the presentation clear, I recommend adding additional text overlay for this type of presentation. This will guide the audience, especially on a dense subject. The start with an appropriate use of humor is an excellent way to gain the audience's attention. The quality of research and teamwork is apparent with supported specific examples of games and the name of technology. Overall, the video production quality is excellent, balanced, and engaging. The video is suitable for a general audience, but discretion is advised for children due to some scenes.

2- AR/VR in Education and Healthcare by Otter Devs

The presentation discusses the practical applications of augmented reality and virtual reality in education and healthcare. The topic was covered well with visual aids that made it easier for the audience to follow the subject chronologically. The team did an excellent job researching the topic and providing a robust analysis. While the topic is fascinating, more videos and a smooth handoff between the speakers are needed. The video is appropriate for all ages and does not require expertise. Although the longer video targets a professional audience, I recommend enhancing it with additional engaging elements like dynamic animation, explanatory videos, or any other add-ons to grab people's attention and keep them engaged. Overall, the presentation is very informative and well-organized, with a somewhat engaging delivery.

3- Professional Video: Brain-Computer Interface by Gigabit Goon Squad

The presentation was delivered with excellent narration that captivated the audience from the start. The Gigabit Goon Squad team has done a great job delivering this complex topic, making it accessible to all viewers. The subject is extensively researched, providing in-depth insights. Teamwork is evident throughout the presentation, while the coherence of the content is maintained. The presentation is clear; however, I would suggest using keyword phrases in the bullet points instead of long sentences and adding more visual aids like graphics, photos, and images to accompany the points. This will help convey the message without overwhelming and cluttering the slides. The video is more appropriate for technology professionals than the public. Overall, the quality of the video production is great.

4- The Eternal Human by Super4 Web Solutions

Excellent presentation with precise, engaging delivery. Despite the broad topic, the team managed to keep it focused. The video presentation is high quality and has content supported by visual aids throughout. The topic is covered well with quality research and evident teamwork. While a few terminologies are presented in this presentation that may gear it toward technology professionals, much of the video remains appropriate for a broad audience.

 

Part 2: Keep Up With Your Learning Journal

Over the course of 8weeks, I learned a lot from my class, especially from my amazing team. During our last video project, we collaborated daily for two weeks straight using instant messaging, video, and audio conferencing to share ideas. The most exciting part of working with the team was seeing the seed of an idea grow through the collective efforts of each member. The project was divided into four segments, and each member took responsibility for developing their part. However, everyone was also ready to assist each other in case any issue arose.

 

CST300 - Week 7

 Lecture: Week 7 Learning Journal 

 

In week 7, I am working on revising the ethics argument essay, preparing the material for the final project video presentation, and peer-reviewing teammates' cover letters and resumes. 

Part One

The team planning for the final research video project was somewhat reasonable. I wish there was enough time for the final essay and research video. The good thing is that the team members are very effective during the weekly meetings and manage time well with the meeting's agenda. The final video planning started during the weekly meeting of module 6. We color coded a Google Doc with sections of the outline of the presentation to divide the work among each member. All members were hands-on and able to collaborate and agreed to have the written portion completed by the following module 7 meeting. Unfortunately, most of us haven't had the chance to complete the research, and we decided to extend the time with the agreement to meet once before the regular weekly meeting. 

The team decided to use Adobe Express to produce the video. The software is part of the Adobe Cloud suite provided to students by CSUMB. The advantage of this software is that it allows all team members to work on the final video simultaneously, increasing the chance of producing cohesive content. Although there was a missed timeline, the team could recover with the help of effective tools like Google Drive and Adobe Express. Sending an email with a status update to remind all members would be a step to do differently next time I am engaged in large collaborative projects.

Part Two

 Why the world needs more astronauts

https://www.ted.com/talks/sirisha_bandla_why_the_world_needs_more_astronauts

 

In the TEDTalk video Why the World Needs More Astronauts, the presenter introduces the topic of the eligibility to become an astronaut and the need for more astronauts. To enforce the idea, the speaker focuses on the central idea about the importance of exploring space. She mentions Dr. Stephen Hawkin's belief that "the human race has no future if it does not go to space." The speaker then advanced her speech with further details by establishing her credibility as an astronaut from the minority. The speaker then shows a video of her journey to space, looking at the Earth from space. The talk is inspiring and persuasive to influence an audience to adopt the idea that the world needs diverse astronauts. The speech concludes by summarizing the generational long-term benefits of having diverse astronauts.

 

The incredible inventions of intuitive AI

https://www.ted.com/talks/maurice_conti_the_incredible_inventions_of_intuitive_ai

 

The second video was about intuitive AI and augmented age. The video discusses the idea of how the tools we used were passive. The video displays several designs produced by generative computing tools. The presentation uses visual aids to keep the audience engaged effectively. The speakers demonstrate the gradual approach of connecting digital projects to humans through augmented thinking. While the video shows the practical use of connected design, I think there is a level of exaggerated ideas.

The focus of this module is learning about presentations. One of the videos shows the proper PowerPoint use by highlighting the Do Nots when designing a presentation. Some common mistakes are adding more details to the presentation, font choice, number of bullet points, and formatting graphs. The article about visual aids and props offered several tips on different types of aids. One of the tips that caught my attention was the photograph. This will be helpful when designing the final video since it is essential to synchronize the picture the audience is looking at with the content of the speech.

CST300 - Week 6

Lecture: Week 6 Learning Journal

This is already week 6, and there are two more modules to finish this course. I had the chance to review the lecture material to get ready for the upcoming team project. Also, this week, the ethic argumentative essay's first draft is due for peer review. Next week, we will have our second team meeting with the instructor.

Part 1

During our team meeting, all members discussed their ideas regarding the capstone project. The ideas that stood out are

• Stop scrolling application: This is a practical and much-needed feature to prevent social media addiction. The current UX designs address this issue, but the feature is somewhat discreet. For example, TikTok has an option under the setting called 'Screen time breaks,' which reminds users to stop scrolling. The function of this setting is very limited to scheduling, and the advertised break time is short.
• Pet adoption application: This is another great idea to simplify the complicated process of adopting pets.
• Video game: I love the idea. Working on designing video games is a fun but daunting time-consuming task. I am up for the challenge.

Part2

In this week's module, I am learning about the available CSUMB career development resources. This module taught me a lot about what the Career Development Office offers. The office assists students with the tools to enter the workforce. For example, students receive assistance with writing a professional resume and cover letter, making an appointment with a career advisor, and discovering available internships and jobs. Although I have been in the IT workforce for years, reviewing these contents remains relevant. The 4-year career development plan is a great way to prepare for the upcoming stage. Below are the remaining items I could pursue during my junior year.

1. Update my resume and cover letter
2. Extend my professional network
3. Research graduate school

The career exploration page is a great resource that lists several techniques that help in finding a job. It is a great resource to use in the future.

Team Meeting

We had a very productive meeting this week. We discussed the topic for our final presentation and decided on a video editor tool to collaborate. The outline for the research is completed, items are divided among members due on February 16th.

 

Preview CST 338 Software Design - with Java

Getting ready for the next class, software design. I briefly reviewed Java language last December to prepare for this class. I had a good head start when I asked the academic advisor while waiting for admission. I am thankful for this early preparation as it will save time to concentrate on the main learning objective of the upcoming course.
Syllabus Review:

• Prerequisites: Introduction to Data Structures,
• Objective: Learning the fundamental concepts of developing large-scale software.
• Language used: Java - object-oriented programming. Must review – creating classes, main class, constructors and constructors overloading, static methods and fields, passing an object to a method, comparing and coping objects with Java, inheritance and polymorphism, method overriding, final method and protecting members, abstract classes, interfaces in Java, enumerated types, exception handling, and arrays. IDE and debugging.

• Textbooks: Two of them (Java Quick Syntax Reference and Android Programming, The Big Nerd Ranch Guide 4th edition) are available on O'Reilly Tech Books Online. Use CSUMB SSO to sign in – click here.
• Hardware requirements: capable of running Android Studio and Android Virtual Devices. This is very important – I will check the requirements and install them ahead of time. Specifically, check disk space and memory requirements. Click here.

 ILP Portfolio Website Shell

I worked on the ILP Portfolio site and got the starting page set up. Here is my site. The design is very simple and modern, highlighting the information and allowing users to maneuver easily.

 

OLI Learning

Module 8 – I am learning how to become an active listener to manage conflicts. The active listener pays full attention to the conversation and sets aside any distractions. Summarizing the conversation after allowing the person to finish provides validation and reduces the tension.

Module 9- This module is focused on when to apply an assertion message. There are three key components to formulate an assertion message: objective description, emotional response, and an explanation of the problem's impact on self and team members. There is a texting message activity at the end of this module. The activity was hard to follow for the first time, but the answers and comments highlighted the perspective of each response.

CST300 - Week 5

 Lecture: Week 5 Learning Journal

Part One: Support and Comment on Teammates' Goals

https://ktcsumb.wixsite.com/cs-learning-journal/post/cst-300-week-4

https://jvazquez-csumb.blogspot.com/2024/01/cst-300-week-4.html?sc=1706861536829#c2870692579888828972

Part Two: Possible Capstone Ideas

I may have two ideas of what I would like to do at the end of this program. One application is an add-on to dash cameras that analyze road conditions and send data to the city or the local municipality. This application will send data collectively to help budget and prioritize repair work for city roads. Another application I would like to execute is related to recycling. Unfortunately, I am not able to release much information or details about this idea. Overall, I would like to focus on developing a software application for commercial or government use. This all depends on how much I will learn at the end of this program, but I am excited to make a difference.

Part Three: Keep Up With Your Learning Journal

The outline for the argumentative essay is completed successfully. I had invested quite a lot of time researching the idea of the ethics essay, stakeholder, and the arguable subject. I am reviewing the additional elements, such as the targeted audience tone, the persuasive writing style, and the framing of each stakeholder argument. I have a reasonable understanding of this paper; however, I still have some questions regarding the essay structure. For example, do I need to follow the sequence in the outline or the traditional essay structure? The introduction should have the thesis statement as the last sentence. Well, that is the student’s position at the bottom of the outline.

I learned about loaded words and their misuse in arguments. I must pay attention and avoid using those words in my essay. The lab introduced logical fallacies, a good subject to review before I began working on the essay. This link is great for reviewing and refreshing most types of fallacies.

This week, we are reviewing an introduction to video presentation to prepare for the upcoming team assignments. Video presentation is an essential skill to master in the technology industry. Almost daily, I have to present or meet with the team via video conference at my job. Our team had a meeting that proposed three topics, awaiting the voting result and instructor approval.

This week, I am planning to review the subject of graduate school. I have been considering pursuing further education after graduating from my current program. It will be interesting to research the options available at UC Berkeley or CSUMB. As I am already working in the industry, an internship may not be feasible for me. However, I plan to work on a selected project that will be available in early 2025.

OLI Learning: Module 6 focuses on conflict recognition early. I watched a video exhibiting a conflict among Booth team members. Many signs of early conflict are easier to spot, ranging from body language and self-limiting to specific ideas, raising voices, and explicit accusations. Discussing an issue early on prevents escalation and helps the team preserve energy toward a solution to the problem.

Module 7 - I learned several techniques to address conflicts from this module. For example, avoiding one that does not involve something I manage or care for. Another is to be careful with the forcing strategy, which is necessary in some situations. One situation I encountered was a conflict related to building maintenance. The other party had proposed logistically difficult but doable to manage tasks. I would apply collaboration strategically and negotiate toward a manageable solution.