Development On Blog And Learning Reflections

Discuss about the Development on Blog and Learning Reflections.

Weekly Learning Modules on Design Tools

Reflection analysis allows understanding of knowledge and skills developed related to particular Design Tool (Bell, Urhahne, Schanze & Ploetzner, 2010). Ann Mathews (2007) states that individuals can become independent and resolve problems through reflection analysis. Through the process of reflection, it is possible to turn learning, knowledge, and ideas into new experiences for future purposes. In the current reflection statement learning related to Design Tools and blog, development has been encompassed with critical analysis of self and a plan of action that allows overcome difficulties faced while writing blogs (Bower, Craft, Laurillard & Masterman, 2011).

Reflecting on the learning related to Design Tools and blogs, it can be said that a tremendous amount of learning has taken place (Beetham & Sharpe, 2013). There were theoretical classes along with workshops for DT applications, which allowed development of knowledge. In the current analysis, weekly basis blog entries based learning experiences are shared. In Week 2 we started off with the preliminary concepts related to Design tools and then went on to Week 3 the primary theories and models that underpin Design tools (DT) was incorporated. I understood that there are certain basic steps through which DT is undertaking such as logical flow, divergent and convergent thinking, its philosophical worldview, co-designing, action-based research, triple loop learning and so on (Dhindsa & Anderson, 2011). In the Week 2 workshop activity of DT, I did not become clear and conversant regarding the various concepts of DT, and only after Week 3, I became clear regarding it. Week 3 I got some feedback from the tutor and also received some inputs from my teammates through sharing. This processes allowed to clear concepts of learning that were discussed in Week 2 and Week 3.

In Week 4 there was undertaken the role of DT in problem finding and problem-solving. In the workshop, there was sketching undertaken related to mind mapping processes which were rather confusing (Edwards & Cooper, 2010). DT can be very confusing if not practiced and understood in a clear manner. From my blog and learning experience, I can say that my group had received plenty of opportunities for brainstorming and sketching process. I was the task organizer and had to call for group discussion and had to possess problem-solving skills. I have a clear understanding and thorough take on the topic as I was easily able to arrive at the root cause of every problem.

Critical Self-Analysis

In Week 5 learning related to journey mapping and brainstorming as a critical part of DT. I had developed a detailed understanding of the topic from class discussions and the activity provided further insights into it. In this activity, I was highly involved and it was of tremendous interests to me as it deals with customer experience. The workbook allowed completing the playbooks and I understood that a journey map comprises of three levels. It was focused highly on innovation and I being very interested in undertaking innovation took this lesson rather seriously. I feel that I have been able to develop theoretical knowledge pertaining to journey mapping, though I am not very confident in practicing the same.

In Week 6 of DT, we were exposed to the concept of efficient value chains. The theoretical background was clear to me with analysis of relevant stakeholders. We were provided the concept of mind mapping being applied to the creation of value chains (Tanriseven, 2014). Such value chains are connected to innovation and creativity and I were bent on creativity was very inclined to learn the concepts in this week. I had developed tremendous learning from this activity, however, faced challenges in making connections to the same. In Week 7 there was learning based on data sources and ethics in DT (Davies, 2011). This topic was very intriguing as it involved various facets of data analysis and implications of DT. In the workshop, we learned regarding primary and secondary data collection procedures. In this learning module, I had developed insights regarding ways to progress in a research study. The procedure for data collection was moreover, highlighted in this unit. In the blog, we were asked to reflect regarding our feelings and thoughts from the workshop. I was able to develop knowledge on ways to start a research project. In week 8, I had my learning related to prototypes and developing models in 2D and 3D. This was a rather interesting class for me as through role plays we were exposed to the concept of prototyping. In the workshop, there were various prototyping techniques and binding that was discussed for the purpose of testing feasible models. The workshop was very professional in nature as it provided professional insights into the same through developing skills in the storyboard, sketching, wireframing and so on. In Week 9, I was exposed to the idea of Learning Launch. The learning material provided insights into several business cases problem analysis. In the workshop, there was the application of learning that had taken place through the learning module (Sedikides & Hepper, 2009). The workshop and reflecting on the blog allowed to incorporate feedback such that tools taught can be applied in the future. Thus, reflection on weekly learning and blog reflection allowed understanding the development of my knowledge, skills and learning from the same.

The above reflection of theoretical and practical learning in workshop revealed several aspects related to my learning and development of knowledge (Horney, 2013). Self-assessment can be extremely challenging as self-assessment does not always succeed. I have attempted to undertake critical self-analysis from whatever self-awareness I have developed from reflecting on blog activity. I have undertaken SWOT (Strength, weakness opportunity and threat) analysis for analyzing my personal self (Addams & Allfred, 2013). The module on Design Tool is extensive as it covered most concepts and tools that are used currently. Most importantly the workshop conducted at classes allowed in the development of concepts related to various tools that have been taught. Undertaking my self-analysis from a personal and professional point of view was provided on current developments. Personally, I am a highly energetic and optimistic person, successful in achieving academic and learning success. Some of my weaknesses are the inability to communicate effectively, inability to stay focused on a relevant area and short-temperament (Berzonsky & Luyckx, 2008). I had devised a WhatsApp group where members from the group can communicate effectively related to their inputs, feedback, and feelings. Due to this weakness, I feel I had not been able to effectively attain cent percent learning. As I had not been able to express my thoughts or areas of confusion to my professor also. Though my professor was very helpful yet due to my inability to communicate, the professor was not able to effectively guide me and aid in my learning of DT. I faced challenges in sketching and mainly connecting points of DT with each other. Developing of those points on the basis of problem statement was another aspect that I needed to learn and implement. However, I felt from my communication that I was unable to provide relevant inputs for team members which would allow them to brainstorm ideas. My inability to stay focused on a single idea hampered my productivity significantly. As the week's learning progressed in a dynamic manner, I kept swaying from one aspect of DT to the other. I started changing from one concept to the other for the purpose of developing a problem for my team. This hindered my capability to make maximum development and progressed related to a concept. My short-temperament is my major behavioral challenge, hindered my capability to make a maximum contribution into a particular weekly learning. My short-temperament also often led to conflicts within my team. This was a major challenge that I faced while working in a team and develop suitable solutions to problems.

Evaluating my professional skills, I was able to evaluate that I possess high skills relative to organizing and leadership. These strengths allow me to provide problems to a team and organize meetings where each one can participate and provide their own input and ideas (Thomas, Chie, Abraham, Jalarajan Raj & Beh, 2014). I gained my organizing skills from my capability to undertake several assignments and studies at the same time and to complete the same. In my personal tasks also I am able to rapidly undertake several works at the same time and develop learning related to all. I possess tremendous leadership skills, which was reflected in my capability to direct the group towards the selection of a specific problem set and ignoring the others. Through organizing of groups meetings, I was able to translate the problems defined into a suitable solution using DT (Lee & Cavanaugh, 2016). DT provides a very interactive procedure which can be interpreted even by a layman easily. I have developed great interests in DT as I feel the tools discussed here has the capability to diagnose more complex industrial problems and take me further in my professional career. I aim to undertake more studies courses in DT to be able to comprehend and become an expert in the domain. From my classes and workshop, I feel that more classes need to have been provided for us. As such DT would not only allow enhancing professional career rather it would also help in undertaking higher studies or research work. I have great interests in taking up research post completion of my studies, I feel with the use of DT, I will easily be able to project my problem statement and then arrive at a suitable solution related to the same.

Analysis of learning related to weekly activities and blog provides that my major threat is the inability to practice the DT taught in class to be able to practice it in my professional area (Yoo, 2016). In my professional practice, I need to be able to apply the various DT tools learned and solve problems from the same. I need to undertake a significant amount of practice to be able to apply the tools learned in weekly learning sessions. This is the main area of opportunity for me, to be able to develop and practice skills that can be applied across the professional field. I have already developed a significant amount of knowledge and capability in almost all the weekly learning. I have also been able to develop skills pertaining to designing of mind maps, journey mapping, learning launch and several other learning tools (Poole, 2010). My gap areas relate to developing the capability to apply skills and knowledge. There is also a gap related to the ability to work in groups and overcoming my short-temperament. Overcoming these areas for me would allow me to become a professional person.

Analysing areas of critical learning reveals several strengths, weakness, opportunity, and threats. This action plan includes time-bound objectives that need to be achieved (Breines & Chen, 2012). The action plan has been devised such that problem areas can easily be overcome and processes can be adopted within time bound frame. Analysing my learning experience, it can be said that my strengths include careful planning, ability to convert learning into the application, the capability to draw and work in a group, leadership and organizing skills. This action plan is aimed at overcoming the weaknesses that I have faced an inability to communicate effectively, which further affected my capability to cope up with studies and complete sketching on time (Sicora, 2010). I was unable to decide on nodes or points on the basis of the problem statement. I feel that as I have diagnosed this problem, the best way to overcome it is by talking regarding this directly to the professor, he will guide me through the procedure again. Another way to improvise and overcome this problem related to DT is to practice from several cases that are available in the library or from online sources. Through rapid practice, I will be able to overcome this challenge and become an expert in sketching of any type of DT, be it storyboard, mind map or journey mapping tool. I am to become an expert in this aspect within a period of 3 months starting now; I feel this short period is sufficient to allow me to overcome this challenge (Sherman & Hartson, 2011). In regards to communication, I can practice verbal and formal communication skills from self-help books that are available at the library. Self-help books in communication are available in plenty at the library and it will allow me to practice my communication skills and express thoughts easily. I am to become an effective communicator within 6 months from now. Communication is an integral aspect of the professional domain as well; therefore, I need to become an effective communicator. I will further take feedback from my friends and teammates regarding my communication skill gained, on a regular basis. I will maintain a journal of self-development where I will mark my various progress; this will allow me to track my development. The monthly basis for recording an increase in my communication skills will help me become an efficient person in communication in 6 months period (Seligman, 2011).

Another weakness of mine includes the inability to stay focused on a relevant area; I feel this is a serious area where I need to work upon. In order that I increase my ability to focus, I need to start meditating. I have heard that meditation has several positive impacts on calming of the mind and allows an individual capability to focus easily. I will take up meditation classes that are available near my area in which I reside. Such classes, I will undertake for a period of 1 month and then practice on my own to help me overcome this problem. I hope with continuous and regular practice, I will easily become a patient person (Murdock & Goel, 2008). Another weakness of mine related to short-temperament can also be overcome by use of meditation procedure. Another threat of mine which I diagnosed was incapability to form appropriate DT sketches. Such an issue can be overcome in case I am able to undertake rigorous practice for the next 6 months using various tools such that I am able to become an expert in the same. Thus, all my action plans are limited to the extent of 6 months and I hope all my futuristic goals will be met in case I am able to adopt procedure as I have defined above. Most importantly, I will maintain a self-analysis journal to track my regular progress related to myself such that I am able to become efficient in my personal as well as professional goals.     

Conclusion 

Analysing learning from the above perspective several strengths and weaknesses have been discussed. It becomes integral in overcoming the challenges faced in learning. Incorporating the plan of action within 6 months step by step will allow overcoming of the challenges faced and become a capable individual, who can easily apply Design tools.

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