English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

This past week was spent doing research, designing a thumbnail, and creating a draft of my section. During the first few days, I began taking notes from the sources I had found last week. I also searched for new sources as I came across topics that needed more explanation or enhanced credibility. I was then able to come up with an organized series of facts and opinions using Microsoft OneNote, and I also completed my three research blogs for Friday.

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.

This week I spent my time researching material for my research blogs. I did not realize that three of them needed to be done so I figured I should finish all them right away so I had time to work on other aspects of this project. Since I did not know about these research blogs I thought my teammates would not know about them either. I sent an email out and it seems they did not know either. I researched three different topics that ranged from the competition of SharePoint to the various features it has to offer. I learned quite a bit and I know it will help when writing our rough draft.

Blackberry Storm by Verizon:

The cost of this phone without a contract is $599.99 (depending on source) and with a 2 year contract with Verizon it is $199.99.
A rundown of the price:
Hardware: $199.88
Cheapest voice plan (only sold combined with data plan): $80
SMS plan: $5 for 250 messages
Price over two years: $2239.99

G1 Phone from Tmobile, officially introduced as the HTC Dream:

Cost of the phone: The device itself will cost $179.99 and the unlimited 3G data transfer will be an additional $25/month along with any normal calling plan costs or an additional $35/month with unlimited messaging. http://www.t-mobileg1.com/

This week I helped make some final decisions regarding the audience. Last week we all came up with the best possible sources for our audience between general lawmakers to the general population. I suggested we use the American Federal Lawmakers as our audience, specifically the Secretary of Energy. The rest of the group agreed that this would be our primary audience.

Apple iPhone:

I've made a systematic method of presenting the research.

The following is my individual report of work from April 13 through April 19.

This week has been another step in the right direction of completing our white paper. Overall most of my time this week was spent researching the problems associated with the current methods of providing power. These topics included problems with the common types of power production and the inherent problems with the current power infrastructure. This research will be used to help establish a need for wind turbines.

In week fourteen, the students had to complete several tasks relative to the White Paper Project. At the beginning of the week, I was mainly responsible for our white paper thumbnail. I used several suggested items from the examples offered on the course website. Utilizing all of the space and inserting special locations for text boxes and graphics, my thumbnail design was optimal for what our group was explaining.

Skystream is a company that offers a residential and small commercial solution to alternative energy. It is compatible with most homes and buildings and creates an effective independent energy source. Skystream offers a reliable product and is can be found all over the country.