English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

Individual Activity Report for Group 8 – Week 16

In week 15 the rough draft finally came together. I began the week by writing my section and putting all of the sources in the research blogs to use. On Monday, our group met online to decide the final structure of the rough draft. We decided to use Adam Water’s thumbnail and have an introduction, conclusions, and three important sections of the paper. On Friday, the group sent the paper to me for me to put the paper together and edit the large items. I began by creating a title page along with the basic layout of the paper using Adam Water’s thumbnail.

During week 14, the major goal was to complete the research blogs and thumbnail step of the project. On Monday we met on AIM to discuss the progress of the project and future tasks. To start the research blog I did my first research blog on the basics of hydroelectric power in the United States. For my first research blog I wanted to focus on the basics of hydroelectricity and the history in the United States. I also completed the normal blog for the weekly reading response.

Dean Basso – Group 8
Research Blog #3:

Topic: New Opportunities in Hydro Electric Power
Source:
"News and Information about Hydro Electric Power Opportunities." Alternative Energy News. 16 Apr. 2009 .

When I was researching for new developments in hydro power, I stumbled upon small hydro power units which I covered in my second research blog. For my third research blog I wanted to go more in depth about what small hydro power units that were available today.

Dean Basso – Group 8
Research Blog #2:

Topic: New Developments in Hydropower
Source:
"New Developments in Hydropower Can Supercharge Obama's Green Jobs Plan." Renewable Energy World - Renewable Energy News, Jobs, Events, Companies, and more. 16 Jan. 2009. Bourne Energy. 16 Apr. 2009 .

Dean Basso – Group 8
Research Blog #1:

Topic: Hydroelectric power in the United States
Source:
"Water use: Hydroelectric Power." United States Geological Survey. 20 Feb. 2009. United States Geological Survey. 20 Feb. 2009 .

This weeks reading was not only about ethics in general, but the application of ethics in the technical workplace, legal issues, and everyday decision making. One of my favorite parts of the article was the 'Golden Rule', which stated "That you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I believe that our ethics are first learned from parents and culture at an early age, and you are responsible for your actions whether right or wrong. The article goes on to talk about three kinds of ethics; personal, social, and conservation.

It is always hard to start researching for a project, especially if there is a minimum of citied sources needed. In the Thomson Handbook, it explains that most people do not want to begin research early in a project because of the harsh anticipation of it. The Thomson Handbook recommends that everyone people should start research early to establish their ethos, credibility, and to be trustworthy. The “Talk like an Insider” was very interesting because if someone reads a paper and are familiar with the subject, they are going to want to hear the terminology that they are used too.

During week one, I was introduced into Group 8 with a series of introduction emails. I began the week by sending an introduction email to all the group members. Once a reply email was sent from all members, we began the brain storming process for our project topic. Once a topic was selected a group member established a Google Document page and sent a link to all members. I then established a Google account using my Purdue email and began the editing of the document.