Author Archives: Matthew

Block 4 DL Collab Assignment

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My BLK 4 class this semester is Science. This assignment was about coding and electrical circuits, where we were tasked to create a game (with or without a partner, I did with), using circuitry and coding/programming using a Microbit. A Microbit is a mini-computer that processes information you program it to receive. For this project, if we connected a wire with a charge to the Microbit, and we programmed it to sense that and display a smiley-face, it would do so. My partner and I’s project/game was a evolved labrynth, where you need to make it from one end to another, without touching the corners!

Connecting Core Competencies:

The core competency that I demonstrated during this assignment and the game is Critical Thinking. I showed this due to the evolution of my project and my view of the different components of it. Firstly, I have never done coding before this project, so I already have that going against me. Throughout the project, my partner had to guide me through the understanding of how the coding works (shoutout to him). By the end, I could easily understand the concept, and in the video, I believe I explained it quite well. Secondly, my partner and I had to do a lot of planning for our initial build. The time frame for the project was a little constricting, so we had to work efficiently. By the end of the first block, we had our design ready to create. By the end of the next, we had our base. Every single block, we continued the design process of our labrynth, developping its circuitry, collaboration/input with the Microbit, and the overall structural integrity of the game. Lastly, my partner and I had to undergo (like they say science is) lots of trial and error. We had a good start, completing the labrynth itself, but as we neared the steps of setting up the circuitry, we hit a speed bump. We had numerous attempts at how to make them connect, while testing each version. We learned through each one of those versions, also further proving my first point, and we eventually came through with a pretty consistent circuit, along with a good consistent input to our Microbit.

Learning from Digital Tools:

The Digital Tool we used for this assignment was the Microbit. BOY, was it an experience, and a challenge! Never have I used a Microbit, heard of a Microbit and seen a Microbit. For the introduction block, where we learned the basics behind the Microbit, I was completely lost. When they told us to create a code using a video demo on Microbit’s website, I was completely dependant on it, following every word given by the Microbit. It worked, but it was a challenge then stepping into the utilisation of it INDEPENDENTLY! It’s a benefit too though, as I learned the different ways of coding (at least the terms, I only did block code) and how the programming works. It isn’t the same level of importance in terms of a digital tool compared to the Microbit, but I also had to make a video to explain my game, which had me learning how to use Clipchamp, a simple video editing software. I was definitely challenged as I don’t do much media-making, but by the end I managed to catch on and figure out how to use it pretty well.

Application in Other Courses:

It would be possible to use the Microbit for other things other than a science class, but it wouldn’t be as effective or often, out of just complexity, convenience, and the fact that most pieces of science could it in more ways than other subjects. hHowever I can use the Microbit for other coding related things. For example, I could use in socials to tell a story, using code to link specific triggers to different graphics during a presentation. I could also potenitally use it for any quiz from any subject too, making flashcards out of code also.

VIDEO:

Take your kids to work day

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On TYKTWD, I went with my dad to visit the building of the agrciultural company he works for. For the first part of the day, he showed me around their lab space, where they tested their protoctype products on different types on plants and/or crops around the world. Then, he took me to the office section, where he introduced me to some of his collegues and I saw the meeting rooms, the office cubicles and the company lounge (full of snacks). After that, I worked on he assignment while he attended a meeting. By now its midday, so he took me to the place where he often gets burritos when he commutes to the office. After, we came back to the company buildings, and we visited the workshop, where they have 3d printers and laser cutters (very cool). Lastly we visited the product invention place. They had numerous rooms with chemicals, machines and a lot of cool technology everywhere.  

Here’s some photos from the workplace:

  1. What did you hear, see, smell, and feel in the work environment on Nov. 6th? Use details

I felt humidity when in the soil lab where my dad’s company tests their products. I felt a sense of creativeness/science feeling (I don’t know how to describe it) wherever I went, with all the cool technology and equipment in the building. 

I heard machines working, whether they were AC or the company machines I don’t entirely know, but there were machines buzzing. I heard people talking about products and updating each other on the projects within the company. I heard cars outside the building, it’s in Downtown Vancouver streetside. 

I smelled a lot of chemicals within the test labs (my dad’s company does pesticides/agriculture technology), along with a fresh dirty smell from all the plants around the office, especially inside the labs. 

I saw lots of modern, sleek white designs in the lobby as well as the office space and labs. There were lots of LED lights inside of the labs shining down on the testing plants. I also saw a bunch of technology, where it was work tools or machines.  

 

 

  1. What about the environment would motivate you to wake up every day to attend work? Why?

The people that my dad introduced me to were very friendly, and everyone seemed on the same page with what is going on within the company. It made me feel like the place was a good work environment. The idea and the purpose behind the company is very interesting, because they make pesticides but also help the plants that are affected prosper, and it can be used in many different markets across plant and agricultural aspects. Even if it’s less important, there was a ping pong table. It makes the workplace feel even better as it’s a nice fun break from work which keeps your brain functioning, and regarding employee relations, it represents more so a comradery/friendship, which sometimes you don’t find in a work setting. 

 

  1. What about the work environment would discourage you from waking up every day to attend work? Why?

The workplace was quite small in some areas, which is understandable considering property costs in Downtown Vancouver, but it still a downside. The entrance and warehouse space was open, which is alright, but once you get to the rooms/sections of the building, it shrinks. The office desks are cramped, the meeting rooms are right next to each other and the bigger example for me, the lunch/employee lounge is very cramped.  

The work environment is amazing, and there is very little wrong with it. However, the small space makes the place uncomfortable at times, which isn’t optimal if you’re there consistently for hours on end. 

 

  1. What is ONE thing you found interesting about your workplace visit? Why?

The workplace is very complex, beyond what I thought it could be. I know that the pesticides and fertilizers aren’t simple, but looking at all the technology and strategies my dad’s company uses around the building, it is very cool and innovative. The doors, which are quite important for keeping soil bacteria in an individual room, are humongous and look like more modern vault doors. The rooms themselves are cool, as there is technology which controls every environmental aspect you could see around the world. They can control temperature and humidity, as well as (I believe) air quality. The rooms I went in were very humid.