Improving my Skills Making Every Experience Better Than the Last

 

    The knowledge I gained and the skills I acquired during this quarter at Seattle Central College made me re-evaluate my skills and where I would like to be professionally in five years. This week's reading material and video highlighted many skills and attributes that make you an outstanding candidate for the technology field. I pride myself on having an excellent work ethic and demonstrating leadership skills.   
 
    However, "If you're interviewing for an IT job, plan to demonstrate interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and project management." (Top IT Soft Skills That Employers Look For, 2021) I, too, have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. But one of the few that I would focus more on is "public speaking and
storytelling; stand-up speaking is a great way to accelerate your career, and storytelling can help you make a point in a way that really sticks" (Communication Coach Alexander Lyon, 2021)
 
    I will work on building the necessary skills by volunteering to do projects at work, gathering my courage to give speeches and presentations, as well as continue to practice using data and technology to improve and build solid skills. I will also continue to make improvements in the skills I gained through my years of employment by making every experience better than the last. I don't believe that specific skills can be taught in school, just like Deming said in the article, "If you want schools to train people for the workplace, you have to simulate the situation they encounter in the workplace," he said." (Powell, 2017) 

 

 Citation

-Doyle, Alison. “Top IT Soft Skills That Employers Look For.” LiveAbout, 24 Feb. 2021, www.liveabout.com/top-information-technology-it-soft-skills-2063781. Accessed 8 Dec. 2022.

-Powell, Alvin. “Social Skills Increasingly Valuable to Employers, Harvard Economist Finds.” Harvard Gazette, Harvard Gazette, 23 Oct. 2017, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/10/social-skills-increasingly-valuable-to-employers-harvard-economist-finds/.

-Lyon, Alex. “What Are Soft Skills? Top 8.” YouTube, 22 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZSARM4VaVs.

 

 

 

Application Feature that is Inclusive to All

    

    

    Before I became a mom, I always wanted the new cool gadget, the latest version on my cell phone. I am sure this is the same for many people because of the minor changes that make it function slightly better. However, many gadgets are slowly making changes to overcome the barriers worldwide. In my previous post, I mentioned a bit about the inclusions of technology and that it is only accessible to a few folks worldwide, including those who face obstacles or barriers that will limit their ability when using a specific technology. 
  

    "It's a process that starts with the people you're designing for and ends with new solutions that are tailor-made to suit their needs. Human-centered design (HCD) is all about building a deep empathy with the people you're designing for; generating tons of ideas; building a bunch of prototypes; sharing what you've made with the people you're designing for, and eventually putting your innovative new solution out in the world." (Wolske, 2020) The features and applications in most technology are accessible using voice features or biometric features. For example, laptops and tablets can read to you or type up your essay without you lifting a finger. And biometric features allow users to lock and unlock technical devices utilizing the aspect of their biology. 
This design helps those with paralytic disabilities in many ways without feeling different. I take these features for granted because they benefit me as a single mom with my hands tied to cleaning, cooking, and chasing the little one. "When you understand the people you're trying to reach and then design from their perspective, not only will you arrive at unexpected answers, but you'll come up with ideas that they'll embrace." (IDEO.org, 2015)

 

Citation

IDEO.org. “What Is Human Centered Design?” Www.youtube.com, 11 Dec. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=musmgKEPY2o. 

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A Person-Centered Guide to Demystifying Technology: Working . Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7.

 

Technology Is Still missing In a World of Infrastructure

Image: metamorworks

    This Thanksgiving holiday, I ordered my groceries for pick up from Safeway. However, the parking lots were less busy than they usually are during this time of the year. I was fortunate enough to own a laptop and a cellphone to skip the lines at the stores by ordering ahead of time. I may not be into all of what technology has today, but to know that many out there may not own a laptop or a smartphone is very discouraging.

    "Now, this number grows when you realize that the people who do have infrastructure access can't afford things like laptops or phones. And the number grows even greater when you realize that those who can afford, a portion of them can only afford the models that are of low quality because that's what they can afford under their financial restrictions." (Linglala, 2022) Is anyone purchasing these items that cost as much as their rent comprehending that you can buy one similar for half the price? Unaffordability will only continue to spread digital divides and alienations globally as those less fortunate will continue to climb the forever-extending ladder.

    Furthermore, "The rapid uptake of new technologies is occurring among most groups of Americans, regardless of income, education, race or ethnicity, location, age, or gender, suggesting that digital inclusion is a realizable goal. Groups that have traditionally been digital "have-nots" are now making dramatic gains." (Wolske, 2020) Although the new inclusions ideas of the rapid uptake of technology show that improvements are underway, the internet and Wi-Fi at my house could be faster but loses connection out of nowhere. The internet company says that we are near a dead zone location, and there is nothing they can do about it—the lack of accessibility for those living in a world of infrastructure will not help even with new technology.

Citation

Linglala, A. (2022, April 5). The Digital Divide | Arjun Linglala | TEDxChelmsfordHS - YouTube [Video file]. TEDx Talks. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZe4AoZ2Pv8

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A Person-Centered Guide to Demystifying Technology: Working. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7

I Limit How Technology Impacts My Daily Life

 

This week's reading and video were fascinating; the author compared his daily life without technology and electricity from sunup to sundown. I still remember cooking and doing laundry without all these fancy new techs and talking on our landline with a ten-foot cord, hoping it was long enough so I could get some privacy. However, I started hearing the dial-up because someone wanted to check their myspace.

"While I have and continue to live with a wide range of daily-use electronic devices for lighting, heating and air conditioning, cooking and cleaning, and the other staples of modern life, I come from a long family line who also keep a hold on the mechanical side of life in a range of ways." (Wolske, 2020) Many other Americans who welcomed technology in some way continue the traditions of maintaining their home inside out. Of course, modern life has been a lot easier, but how will kids learn the fundamentals of doing chores and working hard, or care for themselves if one day they are without power for almost a month?

Nevertheless, in all honesty, we all love what technology has come to today. "I rely on my smartphone for just about everything. I believe technology is beneficial, it saves time, it is reliable, and I feel safe traveling all over the world alone because of it." (TEDx Talks, 2018) Technology has become extraordinarily universal; I can write an essay on my phone. I can also track my friends and family if they are lost and view alerts on my phone to ensure my house is safe. As much as I would enjoy controlling the lights in my house and opening my front door from my phone, I will not sign up for it. I want to my sure my data are safe with me.   

Citations

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A person-centered guide to demystifying technology: Working together to observe, question, design, prototype, and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings. Windsor & Downs Press. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7 

Rose Barker, TEDx Talks. (2018, April 5). Internet of Things: Are Smart Devices Helping or Harming? | Rose Barker | TEDxSalem [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipdTLJcIkWI

 

 

Technology and Accessibility Is Not the Same For Everyone

This week's reading and video reminded me how fortunate I am to have the knowledge and accessibility to the things that we, able Americans, take for granted. Only some people know about Wi-Fi or how to use a smartphone because only a few can access one. Some of us can take the stairs, escalator, or even the elevator, depending on how we feel. But someone in a wheelchair or leg walker may not have these options.

I thought back to my trip through an airport, pushing my daughter in her stroller, and everyone got on the escalator. I took the elevator, and it was the only one; I waited a very long time. As much as I wanted to take the escalator, I knew the elevator was a better option because it was safer for me, my daughter, and others. "Capabilities are the real and actual possibilities from which individuals can choose so as to achieve those things they value being and value doing. Functioning are the aspirations that makeup people's well-being." (Wolske, 2020, pg. 42)

Although the advancement of technology and accessibility has made our daily life more accessible, the elevator at that airport, with thousands of people traveling daily, would be more feasible with a second elevator. Or how about reinventing the escalator steps to be twice as big to accommodate those who do not need an elevator but cannot take the stairs?

We can make progressive changes by incorporating universal design in all of the technology, "build upon and explore, explore how you in each and every one of your roles can include Universal Design in one part of your life; if you do that, you will help to create more commonality more diversity and more inclusion for all people including persons with disabilities." (Doupe, 2018) With the diversity of our society and worldwide, universal design can be the most extensive modification for technological advancement for everyone.   

 

Citation

(2018). Diversity, Inclusion and Universal Design | Teddi Doupe | TEDxUAlberta. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI-rsKbIvfc&t=880s.

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A person-centered guide to demystifying technology: Working together to observe, question, design, prototype, and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings. Windsor & Downs Press. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.7

How to find the balance and managing my time effectively

Attending school this year at Seattle Central has been rewarding yet challenging. When you become an adult, or should I say when you become "mature," you think you have everything under control. I thought I kept everything together because I am always organized and good at managing my time and prioritizing. Completing this program will be a significant step for me, so learning and understanding the materials presented is very important. 

However, the tricky part is being a mommy twenty-four-seven and juggling a full-time job on top of homework and studying. I had it in my head that I had done this before, and I could keep it all under control because I knew what I was expecting and how I would manage to take on so much.

"When people apply the principle of balance in their planning, they are able to find time and energy for all important activities and responsibilities in and outside of school." (Stone 2014, Ch. 11). In this reading, there are many things that I am lacking. I must practice self-discipline and balance, which is crucial to my ongoing educational success.

To better help me find my balance, I decided to implement "the triangle Illuminati, and on this triangle, you have three points, and the points are either getting good grades, having a social life, or getting good sleep." (Yip 2020) I want this balance and a productive lifestyle on top of everything I am currently juggling. I will have to plan effectively and manage my time wisely so that I no longer feel burnt out by the end and beginning of the week. As well as helping me free up more time for "Mommy & Me" memories with my daughter.

 

Citation

YouTube. (2020). Finding Balance at Medical School | Getting Your Life Sorted. YouTube. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6gQj_Bl2-U&t=5s.

Stone, M. (n.d.). 11. Effective Planning: How Do You Own It? Own Your Education!: A Student’s Guide to Greater Success in School (and Life) [Book]. Www.oreilly.com; Pearson. From https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/own-your-education/9780133573466/ch06.html

Critical Thinking is a Must have for a Successful Career

   "Critical thinking supports many academic skills that you develop as a student—from solving problems in math to understanding historical facts to applying ethical principles." (Stone, M (n.d.) It is a skill essential to daily life, taught and developed from a child's earliest days through adulthood, and it's a skill we never stop learning or applying.  

I always thought of myself as someone good at critical thinking, and I still do; however, there is always room for improvement. "Open-mindedness, objectivity, and purposeful thinking" (Stone, M (n.d.) are the principles of getting the best possible solution to critical thinking. When I think about what career I want to do and how much education I need to get to where I want to be. I brainstorm these available opportunities and set expectations but "something to keep in mind no matter how much coding you want to do; there is definitely going to be a job out there for you; it's just up to you to look for it and really try to dig." (Sandra, 2022)

I will continue to build my pyramid by practicing these principles to improve my effectiveness in critical thinking and become a candidate that employers seek with essential skills of thinking who can solve problems, make decisions, and take appropriate action. As I look to grow my career in the tech field, searching for the job that will best suit me, I will continue to practice and implement these skills toward a successful career.

 

Citation

Stone, Megan. “Own Your Education!: A Student's Guide to Greater Success in School (and Life).” O'Reilly Online Learning, Pearson, Feb. 2014, https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/own-your-education/9780133573466/ch10.html#ch10lev1sec1

 

Sandra, Choosing the Best Tech Career for You: How to Choose a Career in Tech, What to Consider, Pay, Skills. YouTube, YouTube, 10 Apr. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ah6jXoO7M

The old times with no computers, can you imagine?

    

Old Photos of the First Generation Of Computers. (n.d.). 

Vintage Everyday. https://vintageeveryday.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/old-photos-of-the-first-generation-of-computers/

    There are days when I stare out my car window and imagine a day without computers and technology. What if we were to use an abacus still today? We would appreciate what we have now more than ever. However, with the invention of the calculator, we are more brainy regarding mathematics and computers. The YouTube video I watched explained that "the earliest documented use of the word "computer" is from 1613, in a book by Richard Braithwaite, and it was not a machine at all; it was a job title." (Carrie Anne Philbin Early Computing: Crash Course Computer Science #1, 2020) You probably have remarkable skills to have done the job that a computer now does. Primarily because we use computers for everything; the only difference is that we have different computers for different things.

    

    Throughout the years of computer designing and upgrades, there were many trials and errors. However, these errors only encouraged inventors to construct even more advanced technology for the many things it would work for, like controlling the decibels and volumes on a pair of hearing aids or the big machines used for agricultural mass production. Seeing all the great things we can achieve when developing different types of computers that simplify our lives today is astonishing. However, the creativity and skills of technology are only beginning.

 

 

Reference

PBS Digital Studio. (2017). Early Computing: Crash Course Computer Science #1. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5nskjZ_GoI.

Wolske, M. (2020, October 7). A Person-Centered Guide to Demystifying Technology: Working together to observe, question, design, prototype, and implement/reject technology in support of people’s valued beings and doings | Windsor & Downs Press. https://iopn.library.illinois.edu/books/windsor-downs/catalog/book/7

Taking back Ownership

    “Confidence comes from being responsible, working hard, and being involved in your own life. Even when you fail, you can grow from your experiences (Stone, N.D.).”  For many years I've had confidence in my ability to work hard and succeed. But when I graduated from high school more than ten years ago, I went straight into community college. I instantly decided I wanted to enjoy life and take a break from education. I worked, traveled, and spent time with friends and families. I later married, had a beautiful baby girl, and became the only responsible parent. 

    Although I feel like I mastered the art of ownership, I started sliding down the educational pyramid and needed to take ownership of my life. I am embarrassed by my lack of academic performance and overwhelmed with self-disappointment. Nevertheless, many of us know or have experienced that being a new mom is a task one will endure; however, incorporating that with a full-time job and school is a lifetime of endurance. 

    I reconstructed my priorities and organized my schedule and timeline for school. I dedicate a few days a week just to school, and I will save a few hours for my daughter on the days I work. When committing myself to all other events, I prioritize what's more important to me and my success. Although I have minimal time to do many family activities with my daughter, I'll spend every free moment with her. I hope she will understand someday and refrain from feeling I was never present. Ultimately, “you learn from your mistakes and gain wisdom for the future.” (Stone, n.d.)

References

Stone, M. (n.d.). 6. Why Do You Lack Pride and Confidence? - Own Your Education!: A Student’s Guide to Greater Success in School (and Life) [Book]. Www.oreilly.com; Pearson.

From https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/own-your-education/9780133573466/ch06.html

Finding confidence on my road to success

 

As a first-time single mom, I knew it was never going to be easy. I am on mommy duty full time, on top of a full-time job working twelve hours a night and attending school, it’s a lot for me to handle. I traveled recently for the first time again in 10 years with my daughter. She loves airplanes, but we ran into some minor issues during her first flight. While on the plane, I tried to buckle us into one seat, unfortunately, the belt did not extend far enough to accommodate the both of us. Even the rows between the seats were too tiny to sit comfortably together. 

While my daughter continued to cry, others were staring and changing seats to get further away as if I was an annoyance that plagued the plane. These actions continued to cause my anxiety to go through the roof, it made me very upset as I felt regretful to even travel and pushed to the point where I nearly called it QUIT! This was our first time flying together and it surely won’t be our last.

    But I stuck by and held on because I was committed, I endured the shameful looks, I was motivated to make this trip for the first time, and I had pride in being a single mom. All these characteristics enhance one another in a way to build your confidence in being successful in life. However, I will continue to put it to everyday use one day at a time because I do not know what the future holds except my road to continuous success.       

Technological Values vs Technological Illiteracy

After watching "Ivette Bayo Urban video on how technology is rewriting our values" I thought about what the similarities to my story was. In the video, Ivette mentioned that a woman says, "this phone is smart, but I’m not." It resonates with me a lot because my parents have no knowledge about technology and how it works. Being the first-generation Hmong American, I constantly help them navigate their cell phones or recently they are able to navigate YouTube. They’ve come a long way, but they still struggle with the ever-changing technology.

I have been thinking about my daughter’s future and the future of technology. I am glad that she enjoys being outside often because I wanted her to grow up the way I grew up with not so much screen time. Her doctor says to limit screen time to 2 hours only, maybe sometimes less. But in schools right now, kids are using computers for testing instead of paper. They are using tablets for learning academic skills on their own. I agree that technology is rewriting our values, but is that because we let it? I don’t wish to teach my daughter how to use a tablet, I rather her read a book. But I also don’t want her to be technologically illiterate. Since technology is only becoming more advanced, the values will continue to rewrite itself.