TO: Linda Harris
FROM:
DATE: December 11, 1995
SUBJECT: Group Evaluation
The Graphics Group's task was to explain how to incorporate graphics into a personal homepage. This encompassed a wide variety of topics. This included describing the computer programs and outlining the neccessary steps in creating personal graphics, accessing and editing images found using Netscape, and how to affix scanned images into a homepage.
As a member of the Graphics Group, I was responsible for outlining CANVAS, a computer graphics program. Due to the numerous commands that exist in CANVAS, I was paired up with group member Tom Paris. We decided that he would do most of the command descriptions (2/3), and I would have to come up with some sample artwork and finish up the remaing (1/3) command descriptions. We worked diligently to accurately describe the commands we use everyday in our Cartography classes. Wording the steps into a simple and precise statement that everyone could understand was a monumental task. When we complied our descriptions, we simplified the commands as best as we could. Overall, I worked hard to complete my assignment, and I worked well with my partner and my group members.
Tuvok was responsible for researching the methods of downloading images from the World Wide Web (Web). We later found out that he had relatively little experience with the Web, but he was a sport and basically learned from scratch. He went to many sources for help and mastered the art of using the search engines to find usable graphics. He came up with a good explanation of how to download an image, and came up with several locations using Netscape.
Geordie LaForge was responsible for describing how to download graphic files from newsgroups on the Internet. Geordie needed to figure out how to decode, download, and compile the neccessary data. He did a good job writing his descriptions in plain English because the terminology used in the process was difficult.
Belanna Torres was to write a step-by-step description of how to produce graphics on MacPaint. MacPaint was not as comprehensive as CANVAS, but it still had quite a few commands. She also had to describe how to incorporate the image into the homepage. The manual she produced was effective and to the point.
Alexander Roshenko had two responsibilities. First he had to describe many of the commands found in CANVAS. This was a difficult task because he had to word the steps in a way that was easy to understand. In addition, he compiled the progress report memorandum. Alexander worked very hard for the group over the course of the semester, and he got the group members an A on the progress report to show for it.
Hikaru the 'GURU' Sulu was selected as the group leader mainly for his computer prowess. We learned as time went on that he had good leadership characteristics and that he was born to be the leader of the Graphics Group. He tackled the most difficult assignment and made sure we had all of our preliminary work done on time. "How to scan an image into the computer" was the most difficult task, and he came out with a great manual. I believe that he communicated well with the other group leaders because he kept us well informed of what we needed to have completed. I firmly believe that he did a terrific job as the leader of the writing group leader.
As a group, I feel we did a great job. Most of the group members had to put in extra time learning about our assigned subject matter. Judging by the reactions of the writing group, they too agree that we came up with a good manual.
We worked hard to overcome the hardships that we faced. For example Tuvok didn't know much about Netscape coming into this class, but he asked around and learned the main commands. This hard work characterized the entire Graphics Group.
There are a couple recommendations I would make to the future groups. First, pick a good leader that will push every member to do their fair share of work. Secondly, everyone must communicate openly. Not only with other group members, but with the other groups as well. Lastly, work as a team. Remember the old cliche "there is no I in TEAM".