Progressive Challenge Project
To me, being progressive means trying to create positive change.
I selected my Progressive Challenge topic because I find linguistics interesting and for part of my life I grew up around a second language.
I selected my Progressive Challenge topic because I find linguistics interesting and for part of my life I grew up around a second language.
Project Process
Stage 1&2: Empathize and Define
progressive_challenge__1_.pptx | |
File Size: | 2443 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Stage 3: Ideate
Stage 4: Prototype
Stage 5: Test
I really enjoyed Progressive Day and I liked getting to see this diverse group of people who were were connected by a genuine desire to learn.. You could tell there was just such a positive learning environment there and everyone was so happy and friendly, it was a fun day and I learned a lot. Some modifications I would make on our website is to add to and expand on the resources and to put our mission statement on the website.
Reflection
The most challenging part of this project for me was when I had to figure out what we would do for progressive day. During this part, I was feeling a little bit lost because I didn't have anyone to bounce ideas off of, and I just went with the first idea I could think to do for progressive day. However, contacting the organization I wanted to go to was very difficult. It was almost impossible to actually get through to the person I needed to talk to. After persistently trying to get through to this organization for almost a week, I realized that it just wasn't going to work out. I needed to think of several options instead of just hoping the one would work out. So, I then contacted a bilingual elementary school, and after some peer advice, found some community colleges with ESL classes that I could contact. The organization and the elementary school never did get back to me, and instead I reached out to all the local community colleges. I was lucky to find a college that connected me with a very responsive and welcoming ESL teacher who was happy to have us. In the end, it worked out great, but it would never have happened without a great deal of trial and error, and lots and lots of phone calls.
What I most appreciated about the progressive challenge project was that it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. The root of all our projects is an issue that affects some community of people, so a significant part of this project involved connecting with those people. The interviews, progressive day, and exhibition all pushed me out of my comfort zone to do things I would not normally do, but they taught me valuable life skills and I appreciate that. Of course, it's not easy while you're doing it, but because it was so challenging, I felt very proud and accomplished for what I managed to do.
What I learned about progressivism is that it really is about making positive change. In history, those who pushed for progress simply saw that there was something that needed to be changed, and changed it. By doing something as simple as making a website, I saw that something that need to changed and I have made an small improvement and caused progress to be made for a particular community. All it takes to be progressive is to recognize a need and to work towards fulfilling that need.
My website impacts my user by helping people more easily find a method of English learning that works for them. During exhibition, someone came up to me and was able to find a website that teaches simple vocabulary, which is what she wanted for her Spanish speaking family at home. It was great to see the purpose of my project be fulfilled. What I would change about my website is to put our mission statement on the home page so users better understand the purpose and function of the website. I would also like to add more resources to it.
What I most appreciated about the progressive challenge project was that it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. The root of all our projects is an issue that affects some community of people, so a significant part of this project involved connecting with those people. The interviews, progressive day, and exhibition all pushed me out of my comfort zone to do things I would not normally do, but they taught me valuable life skills and I appreciate that. Of course, it's not easy while you're doing it, but because it was so challenging, I felt very proud and accomplished for what I managed to do.
What I learned about progressivism is that it really is about making positive change. In history, those who pushed for progress simply saw that there was something that needed to be changed, and changed it. By doing something as simple as making a website, I saw that something that need to changed and I have made an small improvement and caused progress to be made for a particular community. All it takes to be progressive is to recognize a need and to work towards fulfilling that need.
My website impacts my user by helping people more easily find a method of English learning that works for them. During exhibition, someone came up to me and was able to find a website that teaches simple vocabulary, which is what she wanted for her Spanish speaking family at home. It was great to see the purpose of my project be fulfilled. What I would change about my website is to put our mission statement on the home page so users better understand the purpose and function of the website. I would also like to add more resources to it.