Looking back over the last month it is hard to believe that we have come so far in our journey. From our paper on two important organizations to our E-Archive we have really tackled some big tasks for this class. Staying on top of the assignments can be a challenge, but in the midst of it all we have discovered or reaffirmed a few of the essential elements to be successful.
One key factor has been communicating to each other about when we are going to be really busy, away on a trip, going to be out of communication or concerning other barriers to our shared work. This helped us always be aware of our best times of availability to work on our tasks for the projects. Beyond the demands of the class, for us, this also lead to connecting on a personal level about one another's lives, hopes, and concerns. This was personally enriching as we developed a friendship over the course of the class. For instance, in October as Darcey already shared last month, Darcey's mom had surgery, and this month Vince's youngest son had surgery. Thorough it all, we were able to navigate through our work together.
Another key factor was knowing that on each project the other teammate had read an understood the directions in the syllabus and was following the outline of the tasks spelled out in the syllabus. If there was ever any questions we used the syllabus to clarify the task before us. This kept each project on a singular focus and provided consistent development of our independent work. This structure also gave us the framework to easily divide up tasks and responsibilities, the ability to work on smaller more manageable chunks, and set up a manageable schedule. This kept our stress levels lowered, our productivity high, and gave us what we needed to add in our own creativity.
But most of that is the technical side of our work, hands down, the most rewarding part of our work has been the development of a friendship and the camaraderie of helping each other grow in the pursuit of our degrees in the program and for life. Our work together became much more than concern for the tasks before us—we became friends together in the journey.
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." - Antione de Saint-Exupery
The greater success is always that which lies beyond the tasks or even the class itself.
Thanks Darcey not just for the teamwork in the class, but for sharing that which is more important, the immensity of the journey itself!
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Vince...I have been amazed at the ease in which we have functioned and the level of trust that we have built. That has made the journey, so far (wink wink), so enjoyable.
DeleteDarcey
Group 4,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to read about the friendship you two developed during the class. I'm sure that contributed to the quality of work you produced throughout the semester. It's been a pleasure watching your work develop throughout the course.
All the best,
Charlene Jackson
Thanks Charlene! Appreciate the Best Wishes as well. Right back at ya!
Delete-v
Hi, Vince and Darcey.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to know how you decided to work together. Did you watch one another’s video introductions way back in August or were you already acquainted? Your combined enthusiasm for your research showed in every project. It was obvious that you were working in harmony…able to find profound meanings in most every weekly reading assignment. Thank you for your collective work. I’ll refer back to it in the future. I hope to meet you both or work with one or both of you some day.
Congratulations!
Joe
Your combined enthusiasm for your research showed in every project. It was obvious that you were working in harmony…able to find profound meanings in most every weekly reading assignment... I hope to meet you both or work with one or both of you some day.
Delete---- Great team work requires passion, commitment, hard work, collaboration, good planning, and professional ways of doing things. I believe in this course, each group worked very hard, and each group has its own uniqueness. Reading each group's work and your comments is a great pleasure for me. :)
Bo
Joe,
DeleteVince picked me! (Sounds like the playground, doesn't it!?) We didn't know each other prior to class. Vince said he liked the way I responded to the weekly questions... loll Other than that, it just happened. Needless to say, it has been a pleasure to work with Vince and I hope I get the chance to do so again.
I consider that high praise Joe! I have really enjoyed having you in class. Dr. Chang is so right about the different qualities and the uniqueness of each classmate. Future collaboration of some kind would be awesome.
DeleteI really enjoyed the reflective nature of your final monthly summary and commentary. I think my young son could tell that this represents both a journey and a conclusion. (Although he might see it as a sun rise – he is a rather positive soul). Simple, does not imply simplistic though; as there is a nice wonderful theme involving your journey and the journey of education. Congrats on working together so well and becoming friends. Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sean! I love positive souls. It is indeed reflection time isn't it?
DeleteI see a lot of similarities between your group and my group. We also used the syllabus to answer questions when we just were quite sure on the next steps and we also have grown closer throughout the last few months. I look forward to the weekly 'meetings' with my group, even if they are via Blackboard IM. I feel a connection with my group members and have complete faith in working on projects together. I'm glad other groups have had great experiences with their group members as well!
ReplyDelete- Becky
Awesome to hear that Becky. Group work can be a real challenge. It is so good to know that you shared in such a positive experience as well.
DeleteI look forward to the weekly 'meetings' with my group, even if they are via Blackboard IM. I feel a connection with my group members and have complete faith in working on projects together.
Delete---- Fantastic!
Bo
What an amazing quote! I'm keeping that one. You guys are wonderful! Thanks so much for all the effort, thought and inspiration you gave this semester. :) <3
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for the both of you that your group had worked out. It is always nice getting to know people even if you get to meet the person face to face. Communication is key to any success. I know Vince was going through a lot with his family, and it was great that your were so understanding!
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