Overview of Project and Survival Memo

John commented on Groups 2 & 4
Scott also commented on Groups 2 and 4. 

Your final project: tell us what you have done in your project, and what are the most significant parts or creative parts of your project. 

Scott’s Comments

We picked a brochure because it would allow us to really simplify and pick what was more important for our projects. We did 4 major assignments up to the toolbox so we thought a 6 page brochure would allow us a title page and the last page could be used for resources while the other 4 pages could cover each of those assignments. I would say the simplicity of our project is the most significant part. By being simplistic it allows for a quick read and overview of community education and it really catches a person’s eye and would be attractive to individuals interested in getting some quick information without getting too involved. The resource page then allows an individual to get more in depth information and dive deeper into the material and subject.

 Katrina’s Comments

We also choose a brochure as a method/format because this is a great tool to use when trying to engage others to learn or try something new. Also brochures are generally used to deliver a message to people that can be issued in a form of a small package. From our final project we expect community educators to gain tools, methods, strategies and tips in regards to community-based learning, programs and partnerships.

Jillian’s Comments

 Our project shows the different roles and responsibilities of a community educator. This is a convenient, grab-and-go option for those looking for more information. Each side illustrates our work throughout the semester in a personal manner. Everyone has different takes on information, but I think you can see our collaboration and growth as a team through this project.

 John's Comments

 We created a toolbox that can be reviewed, navigated, and disseminated easily. The idea was for the reader to be able to see at a glance the main components involved with being a community educator and how to best create partnerships and create a program of your own. We streamlined this information, but at the same time provided links to allow for further research on the reader's part. In other words, we allow the reader of our brochure to be informed quickly, but empowered to gain additional insight as they deem necessary.

 Your Survival Memo, and your suggestions for future students: you may ask one group member to represent your whole group to introduce each of your survival memos and your suggestions for future students; or each of your group members can briefly introduce your survival memo and suggestions for future students. 

Scott’s Comments

Future students really need to follow the rubrics that are provided. If those are followed it is really hard not to do well (grade wise). I would also say it is important for every project to communicate early and get to know your group. Especially when determining everyone’s schedule. It isn’t a bad idea to find out what everyone strengths are either because every project is made up of several parts. Once that is done it is so important to create due dates, revision dates, final copy dates and roles for everyone within the group for each project. Lastly, I would tell future students to review a community that they are truly interested in or have a vested interest. I think it is definitely more interesting when you do this and you have more of a vested interest.

 Katrina’s Comments

 For me the points below highlight what should be suggested to future students: There is a lot of required course work assignments with short deadlines that will keep one very busy so therefore schedule your courses accordingly to avoid overload.   Time management is very important and be sure that you can allow the amount of time needed to successfully complete assignments. Be sure to communicate regularly with group members Create a schedule of roles and responsibilities for the group discussions Utilize and create a course calendar to keep track of when assignments are due and not the syllabus itself.

 Jillian’s Comments

I would really emphasize putting together a calendar or schedule with the due dates and all the assignments. The deadlines are inconsistent from week to week, so the due dates sneak up on you. We have already mentioned the importance of communication, but that is definitely important with all the group work required for this course. An easy way to communicate can be through a group email. Understanding your group members may have different schedules than you is also important. Some people like to do work early, while others complete their projects at the last minute. Try to distribute tasks based on the availability of others. For example, we would have one person combine the paper and create the chart. This might be best for the person who wants to do the project a couple of days before it is due, while the others complete their tasks earlier.

John's Comments

The main objective of this course is to essentially walk in the footsteps of current community educators (gaining knowledge on theory, practice, and tools), and then creating your own path by utilizing the knowledge that you've acquired. It is quintessentially a step-by-step learning process that allows you the ability to build upon knowledge received, and create your own perspective of what it means to be a community educator, and the impact that accompanies this role. In regards to “survival”, this course requires you to be disciplined in creating both an individual work schedule, as well as a collaborative work schedule with your team members. If I would stress one thing above all others, it would be communication, communication, communication! Nothing gets accomplished without it. Furthermore, I highly recommend that you establish within yourself why this course is important to you personally. What do you hope to take from it? How will it help you grow professionally, or personally? Otherwise, you will lose sight of the value, and get mired in the weekly to-do's, failing to recognize each assignment's real significance.