Reflection

After completing my 20% project, I learned many things. Foremost, I learned that doing something is often much easier than explaining the same thing. In other words, I know exactly how to change, say, the spark plugs on my car. It's slightly complicated, but I can do it in about 15 minutes nonetheless. That being said, it was incredibly difficult to explain, in great detail, the exact same process. I had to approach the situation as if I had no idea of how to do any of it, and attempt to explain it that way. This was not easy! I couldn't assume anything--for example, I neglected to put "remove the negative battery cable" as the first step (for safety reasons you should), because I assumed that the reader would just know to do so as it's fairly rudimentary. I recalled the situation, however, and rewrote it accordingly. Other than that, I didn't have too many problems with the project itself (which can be found here).

We showcased the product on the last day of class, and I thought that mine was fairly well-received. The best piece of advice that I received was to "float" my product at the forums and see how the members liked it. So far, I haven't had any complaints! Overall, it was a fun way to spend 20% of my time in class. Further, I thought it was relatively educational, as I got to learn how to use blogs and different ways of expressing ideas and communicating online.

Currently

So, given that everything I've learned so far has been documented in prior postings, I'd like to spend some time describing the target audience and the finished product. Ideally, the people who would benefit the most would be people that who were in a similar position to the one I was in a few years ago; those who want to work on cars, but possess only a rudimentary understanding of them, or perhaps not one at all. Thus, I'd like to share my project with other people who need help beginning--and possibly ending--work on a 'project' car. In terms of characteristics, this applies to everyone of every age group--as long as they're old enough to hold a wrench and to read! I've met people who are 17 and utterly brilliant when it comes to cars, as well as older people who are somewhat ignorant of the entire process. So, given this characteristic set, I think the most effective way to share this information would be over an easily-accessible blog (e.g. blogger) with pictures and possibly video.


 Again, this blog will contain written-out step-by-step instructions (with pictures) on how to complete tasks from the mundane to the extraordinary on a 1987 Toyota Supra. My product that I'll be presenting in class will describe how to change the spark plugs on a 1987 Toyota Supra--an easy job on most cars, but an incredibly difficult one on this.

Finally, I believe that I've done enough research to complete this project: I've been a member of forums and groups on Facebook for nearly a year now, and beyond that, I've rebuilt the engine on my car. Thus, with the exception of major electronics and body work, I'm intimately familiar with the mechanics of my car, and I believe I can confidently explain the different processes. Regarding this project in relation to class, I believe that it relates quite well as it's using technology (the internet, blogs, pictures) to convey ideas and teach.