Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1. My topic is Graphic Design

2. What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?

• I really need to improve on becoming a more effective iPoly Citizen. I know to follow the class rules and be responsible for my own actions and the like. However, I have issues with involvement and interdependence. I really prefer not to get too involved with anything, especially if it's school-related. I might be misinterpreting the word "interdependence", but I've always felt like an unimportant or less significant part in a group and nobody really wanted/needed me in a group or anything. I'm having a little trouble on how to go about resolving these issues. I guess I could try to have more self-confidence in myself. I'll try to be more involved in more of the school events too. I heard there are committees I can join. 
• To become a more Effective Learner, not only will I keep my effective learning habits that I've had before, but I will also learn new good habits and try to drop bad habits. For example, I was always distracted by doodling in class. That habit is not as bad as it was in freshman year or the years before that, but occasionally I'll doodle a tiny bit, like a pickle or a banana. I'm hoping to fix that this year. I'm also aiming to put more effort into my work. I would try to spend as little time on my homework as I could to get over with in the past. This was an issue in the past that I'm also planning to fix as well.
• I already practice most (if not all) habits of the Effective User of Technology. I know which technological resources are appropriate for use, and I share these resources with other students as well. I really just need to learn how to hook up my computer to a projector for a presentation.
• I think I need a lot of work on become an Effective Communicator. I don't really communicate/socialize very often with others, so my skills are becoming rusty. I've never really liked in-class presentations either. At times, I would stutter and look back at the powerpoint a lot during a presentation. I don't have much of a problem with respect or  speaking clearly, but I especially need help with interdependence and articulation. Like I said before, I've always felt like the unimportant part of a group. I think becoming an Effective Communicator and an iPoly citizen go hand in hand with each other. In my case, I think I just need more self-confidence. As for the articulation issue, I think I'll need to practice better speaking skills. For one, I'll need to rehearse and know my things for a presentation.