Core Competencies

In this French novel study, I practiced many of the core competencies, such as time management. Although, I found that I got the most practice using the competency “teach and practice self assessment.” I noticed that throughout the year, I have slowly been improving on this, as I have a tendency to put of work for quite a long time. This is where time management played an important role, as I learned more about my work ethic, and how much time I need to work on projects. I had to re-read my work and review what I wrote, and it has taught me more about how to identify errors in my writing. By doing this, I have taught myself to recognize my areas of growth (such as repeating words or subjects) to hopefully improve in the future. I am proud of this assignment because of all the new skills I have utilized, and the effort I put into the project.

I used Power Point to make this project, but I wouldn’t be opposed to using Canva or Microsoft Word in future assignments. Here is an example of my book report.

 

Coast Salish Art

How has my awareness of Coast Salish Art in our community changed? 

Before I had done this assignment, I believed that all Indigenous art looked the same. Our Digital Learning teachers showed our my group an educational video about the different kinds of Indigenous art, and how they aren’t the same. So, as I worked on this project, I could see the differences in the art styles, and differences in the meanings of each kind of shape. For Coast Salish people, the crescents means time, (like the changes in the moon cycle), while in other tribes it could mean anything from a protector to transformation. In Coast Salish art, the shapes are comprised of ovals, trigons, crescents and trigons; but, for Coastal Indigenous groups farther north, their art is mostly ovals and u-forms only.

Doing this project was fun and educational, and had helped me connect to that community in a way that I could understand. Doing this calming art in a non-competitive environment helped me see how this kind of art could bring people together with shared experiences.

     

Core Competencies

boa (snake) - NamuWiki

Communication

In the Communications course, I did Daily French Paragraphs, these were an excellent example of communication because I demonstrated that I could connect and engage with othersThese small oral assignments helped me confidently interact and build relationships with group members.

Creative Thinking

In Visual Arts, I we practiced watercolor, which was an excellent example of creative thinking because I had to generate and develop unique ideas. This taught me about thinking outside the box to get to innovate and persevere. I found this unit also required me to reinterpret things around me in different ways. 

Critical Thinking

In the Communications course, I did the Voyage Francophone project, which was an excellent example of critical thinking because I demonstrated that I could develop and design. During this assignment, I had to consider options and ask questions. This helped me understand the culture and geography of the region I chose. 

Social Responsibility

In Visual Arts, I did Etching and Printing, which was an excellent example of social responsibility because it taught me to value diversity and solve problems in peaceful and productive ways. I actively took actions to support other peers who needed help. I feel that I also initiated positive change in the learning environment by having a positive and mindful attitude.  

Personal and Cultural Identity

In English course, I did the Independent Novel Study, which was an excellent example of personal identity because learned about myself and the world around me. I can describe how my identity is influenced by many aspects of my life. The academic factors in this course have made me aware that my values shape my choices, just like the characters in the books we analyze. 

Personal Awareness and Responsibility

In Mathematics, I did numerous Quizzes and Unit Tests, which was an excellent example of personal responsibility because I expanded my ability to self-regulate and be self-determined. I identified my strengths and limits, allowing me to excel in my academics. This course has also taught me to be aware of my time and how I use it.  

 

Block 4 Digital Learning Assignment

Printmaking by Scarlett Turner

Connecting Core Competencies

In this Arts 9 assignment, I used Creative Thinking, Communication, and Critical Thinking. Although, I believe that the one I utilized most was Creative Thinking. I chose this because I had to use my creativity to develop a creative and unique plate. I had to use creative thinking to be able to interpret the instructions given in the assignment rubric and conform them to my own ideas. I used Communication to connect and engage with my peers, it helped me cultivate new ideas and receive good feedback. During this DL  assignment, I mostly used Communication to recount and reflect the events in the art project. I believe that these assignments have taught me more about the Core Competencies and my learning preferences.

Learning from Digital Tools

I found this tool fairly easy to navigate. I learnt that when things don’t go as planned don’t panic. If I waited out the issue, it usually went away. I also learnt that it’s okay to ask for help. As many people in the class were very good with Canva, I received a lot of good advice. I also felt happy when I got to help my peers when they struggled. I liked using Canva because of the wide variety of things you could make. Canva had many options for me to explore and discover, whereas an app like Powerpoint would not have as many options. A challenge I encountered was that Canva often moved things around or changed formatting. this was a challenge because much of what happened was out of my control.

Application in Other Courses

I could use Canva in the future for presentation in my communications class. I believe that it would be useful as a flexible program and easily navigate able. I would prefer to use Powerpoint when doing school projects because it turns out more formal, but now I know that if I need another option for any class, Canva would be a good choice. I also dislike how you need to pay to get the best features on Canva.

Take Your Kids To Work Day!

 

Hello everybody! On TYKTWD I went to my mother’s office. She is an accountant who works at a company called Cedar Coast. It’s a real estate company with offices in Surrey and the U.S.A. When I arrived, my mother planned for me to sit in on many different meetings to help me learn how the workplace functions. Then, I got to have one-on-one meetings with many of her coworkers (With frequents stops to the cafeteria in between!) After a long productive day, my mother and I went to get sushi and discuss how the day went. In conclusion, I found this event educational and fun, and I learned a lot from the functional and dynamic workplace.

When I went to the Cedar Coast office building, I saw many chairs, desks and laptops. The space was quite big and filled with art and architecture. I could hear the ventilation, and the shuffling of people moving around the office. I felt paper, wood and the fresh vinyl on the chairs. I smelled chamomile tea, and the clean smell that lingers around well organized spaces. 

All the people were friendly and enthusiastic, all of them taking pride in their efforts. The office was clean and organized, which provided a calm environment. I feel motivated by this, because it makes me feel happy to be around like-minded, organized and calm people. If I ever needed help with anything, everyone would be happy to help, even if it would hinder them. In addition, the view from the office is absolutely stunning.  

Every day, I would receive hundreds of emails and attend dozens of meetings. I feel that this would make the day stressful, regardless of the environment. I feel that the environment is desirable in every way, but arriving at the environment would require a long drive in rush hour traffic. That I know for sure would make me feel discouraged. 

What I found interesting was how little people thought that they would end up in accounting and finance. I found this interesting because despite not expecting this choice of career path, everybody was happy in their jobs. It reflects on how our plans in life can change and how we can persevere.  

I found the trip to the office informative, educational and fun. I hope that I can visit it one again sometime soon!