Pre-Internship: Hopes and Goals |
1/9/24
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At my internship, I hope to learn more about coding/programming and gain experience in a traditional work atmosphere. I am thrilled to collaborate with others at Tech4Learning to make an effort to reach a common goal. I will try and aim my project towards svg/html coding on Wixie, lesson plan creation, and providing a different point of view on issues or discussions related to Tech4Learning and Wixie. One of my fears is that since Tech4Learning is currently moving out of the office space I will be interning at, things might get hectic and the attention might be focused towards that. On the other hand, I will be able to experience moving workplaces and the atmosphere in relation to it. Overall, I am definitely looking forward to this internship and what project(s) lie ahead for me.
Week 1: Blog #1 |
1/11/24
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What is your company's mission statement, and how do you see it in their work?
Tools to engage, create, and share. Tech4Learning's mission statement is a clear-cut example of how they focus their work to influence and benefit countless student lives around the globe. "We help transform classrooms into learning environments where students are actively and creatively engaged in the learning process, and graduate prepared to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired." I see Tech4Learning's goal and statement in their work and through the programs they have created. Wixie, Creative Educator, Rubric Maker, Wriddle, EDUToDo, and Pics4Learning all epitomize what Tech4Learning's goal truly is. Each of their high-tech software and programs keep students engaged and create positive classroom environments. Through the creative lessons and clear pathways to achieving more knowledge, Tech4Learning succeeds in improving countless student minds. Throughout my first week I was able to perform html coding and publish lesson plans/blogs of my own onto Wixie for the public to use. This is a strong example of how I was able to use the opportunities offered to me in order to benefit students and teachers in the near future. Projects and awards are displayed around the office that prove the company's expertise and experience in their work.
Tools to engage, create, and share. Tech4Learning's mission statement is a clear-cut example of how they focus their work to influence and benefit countless student lives around the globe. "We help transform classrooms into learning environments where students are actively and creatively engaged in the learning process, and graduate prepared to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired." I see Tech4Learning's goal and statement in their work and through the programs they have created. Wixie, Creative Educator, Rubric Maker, Wriddle, EDUToDo, and Pics4Learning all epitomize what Tech4Learning's goal truly is. Each of their high-tech software and programs keep students engaged and create positive classroom environments. Through the creative lessons and clear pathways to achieving more knowledge, Tech4Learning succeeds in improving countless student minds. Throughout my first week I was able to perform html coding and publish lesson plans/blogs of my own onto Wixie for the public to use. This is a strong example of how I was able to use the opportunities offered to me in order to benefit students and teachers in the near future. Projects and awards are displayed around the office that prove the company's expertise and experience in their work.
Week 2: Blog #2 |
1/17/24
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Describe your internship project.
For my internship project, I will develop and create resources that students will be able to use on Wixie. I am going to code piano activities for kids to use on Wixie. I will also play songs on my personal piano and upload those to Wixie as soundtracks. Additionally, I will provide support on coding "talkies", which are miniature virtual animations, as well as html lesson plans for teachers and school districts to use. The process to create a singular talkie consists of finding a scalable vector image of your desired animation, editing the mouth/face nodes and positional code in Inkscape, inputting the boilerplate code in Notepad++ along with your positional code, and finally having to do it all over again because it most likely had an error. Programming talkies is extremely fun because I have a lot of freedom in what I create choose to be eventually launched on Wixie. Additionally, I am working on the piano activities which will consist of: A coded piano so when pressed the corresponding note will play, an image related to the song that is clicked when students are struggling and plays the entire song file embedded to the image, and sheet music that will be displayed on the activity. I am super excited to complete these activities since tens of thousands of students and teachers around the nation will be using them and learning a new skill. Throughout my projects, I will be exemplifying technical, creative, and organization skills. This project will heavily benefit the organization by providing them with additional lesson plans, talkies, and populating the musical side of Wixie.
For my internship project, I will develop and create resources that students will be able to use on Wixie. I am going to code piano activities for kids to use on Wixie. I will also play songs on my personal piano and upload those to Wixie as soundtracks. Additionally, I will provide support on coding "talkies", which are miniature virtual animations, as well as html lesson plans for teachers and school districts to use. The process to create a singular talkie consists of finding a scalable vector image of your desired animation, editing the mouth/face nodes and positional code in Inkscape, inputting the boilerplate code in Notepad++ along with your positional code, and finally having to do it all over again because it most likely had an error. Programming talkies is extremely fun because I have a lot of freedom in what I create choose to be eventually launched on Wixie. Additionally, I am working on the piano activities which will consist of: A coded piano so when pressed the corresponding note will play, an image related to the song that is clicked when students are struggling and plays the entire song file embedded to the image, and sheet music that will be displayed on the activity. I am super excited to complete these activities since tens of thousands of students and teachers around the nation will be using them and learning a new skill. Throughout my projects, I will be exemplifying technical, creative, and organization skills. This project will heavily benefit the organization by providing them with additional lesson plans, talkies, and populating the musical side of Wixie.
Example: Draft of a singular piano activity.
Week 2: Blog #3 |
1/19/24
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How do you see yourself growing or changing over the course of your internship?
I see myself growing my work-drive, mindset, and creativity throughout the course of internship. By attending an actual work environment and modeling what this type of career would be, I am able to provide myself with insight on the future. I have gained the knowledge on what a typical work atmosphere looks like and what the social side consists of. Since most Tech4Learning employees are hybrid/virtual and the company is in the process of moving out, most work is independent. In addition, through coding and using various types of software, I gained several intricate and diverse skills throughout my work. I have generated possible company ideas, benefited towards their success, and provided a creative outlook on the future. Because of my countless creations, I am more knowledgeable on how to code html, svgs, and I am currently working on transformational code in the form of talkies (which has been very hard initially). On Wixie, all my work can be viewed by searching up "ckanas", or through the normal navigation menu.
I see myself growing my work-drive, mindset, and creativity throughout the course of internship. By attending an actual work environment and modeling what this type of career would be, I am able to provide myself with insight on the future. I have gained the knowledge on what a typical work atmosphere looks like and what the social side consists of. Since most Tech4Learning employees are hybrid/virtual and the company is in the process of moving out, most work is independent. In addition, through coding and using various types of software, I gained several intricate and diverse skills throughout my work. I have generated possible company ideas, benefited towards their success, and provided a creative outlook on the future. Because of my countless creations, I am more knowledgeable on how to code html, svgs, and I am currently working on transformational code in the form of talkies (which has been very hard initially). On Wixie, all my work can be viewed by searching up "ckanas", or through the normal navigation menu.
Week 3: Blog #4 |
1/23/24
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Who benefits from the work you do at internship?
Through developing new activities, lesson plans, animations, and videos, my creations are greatly benefiting those in the educational systems. This includes students in grades K-12, teachers, and even parents who value their children's learning development. Educators have been using my lesson plans to provide their students with the necessary knowledge on certain subjects and to direct their classes. Additionally, tens of thousands of students will be performing my activities that I developed on Wixie. These consist of my piano lessons, gifs, and interviews. Also, I have coded countless "talkie" animations that kids can add to their work. A few days ago, a teacher from Connecticut gave my talkies some positive feedback, since her students with speech disabilities can use them to talk to their peers and enjoy the learning experience. Overall, with the help of Tech4Learning and my mentor Melinda, I have been able to code and create several different methods of learning that are directly benefiting various communities around the nation in a positive way.
Through developing new activities, lesson plans, animations, and videos, my creations are greatly benefiting those in the educational systems. This includes students in grades K-12, teachers, and even parents who value their children's learning development. Educators have been using my lesson plans to provide their students with the necessary knowledge on certain subjects and to direct their classes. Additionally, tens of thousands of students will be performing my activities that I developed on Wixie. These consist of my piano lessons, gifs, and interviews. Also, I have coded countless "talkie" animations that kids can add to their work. A few days ago, a teacher from Connecticut gave my talkies some positive feedback, since her students with speech disabilities can use them to talk to their peers and enjoy the learning experience. Overall, with the help of Tech4Learning and my mentor Melinda, I have been able to code and create several different methods of learning that are directly benefiting various communities around the nation in a positive way.
Above are two talkies that I coded; I found an svg file, developed
the face, and programmed the mouth/nodes.
the face, and programmed the mouth/nodes.
Week 3: Blog #5 |
1/24/24
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What are social interactions like at your workplace?
Most work is done independently, and instead of cubicles, everyone has their own office room to do work. Although a lot of the day is in isolation, there are still several conversations and social interactions throughout the day. These usually come in the form of zooms calls, which will become more relevant when T4L moves out next week. As with my mentor, Melinda usually discusses with me on my work for the day in the morning and we converse about my completions nearing the end. If I ever need assistance or if we ever work on a project in collaboration, there will be more time for discussions. But for the most part, the majority of my work is independent and it is my responsibility to make sure I am working on something and continuing with my project. Personally, I enjoy this because it provides me with more independence in a work atmosphere and gifts with insight on how the real world with feel; more personal decisions and responsibilities. All in all, even though social interactions are limited at work place, the environment is still jubilant and grasps a wonderful community.
Most work is done independently, and instead of cubicles, everyone has their own office room to do work. Although a lot of the day is in isolation, there are still several conversations and social interactions throughout the day. These usually come in the form of zooms calls, which will become more relevant when T4L moves out next week. As with my mentor, Melinda usually discusses with me on my work for the day in the morning and we converse about my completions nearing the end. If I ever need assistance or if we ever work on a project in collaboration, there will be more time for discussions. But for the most part, the majority of my work is independent and it is my responsibility to make sure I am working on something and continuing with my project. Personally, I enjoy this because it provides me with more independence in a work atmosphere and gifts with insight on how the real world with feel; more personal decisions and responsibilities. All in all, even though social interactions are limited at work place, the environment is still jubilant and grasps a wonderful community.
Week 3: Blog #6 |
1/26/24
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What are you thankful for in your internship experience?
A main reason why I chose this internship was to help solve societal problems and develop creations to benefit communities around the nation. Throughout my first few weeks here at Tech4Learning, I have became a significant part of their family and I genuinely feel as if I am making a difference for their company. My work has been a benefit to both me and T4L, and Melinda has taught me many life lessons and necessities as I move further into the real world. I am thankful for those working at this company and the knowledge that has been placed into my mind, as well as the enriched community here at Tech4Learning, even with all the online barriers and isolated work. Overall, my experience has been amazing and I have learned countless new skills, both dealing with programming and even how to run a company (Thanks Melinda!). I can't wait to see what lies ahead of me for the second half of internship and how my final project(s) will turn out. Even though moving out of Mission Corporate Center might be the end of an era for T4L, it will generate new opportunities and help balance the economical portion of their company. As for me, I am prepared to experience how online work will pertain and if it might be something I would want to pursue in the future.
A main reason why I chose this internship was to help solve societal problems and develop creations to benefit communities around the nation. Throughout my first few weeks here at Tech4Learning, I have became a significant part of their family and I genuinely feel as if I am making a difference for their company. My work has been a benefit to both me and T4L, and Melinda has taught me many life lessons and necessities as I move further into the real world. I am thankful for those working at this company and the knowledge that has been placed into my mind, as well as the enriched community here at Tech4Learning, even with all the online barriers and isolated work. Overall, my experience has been amazing and I have learned countless new skills, both dealing with programming and even how to run a company (Thanks Melinda!). I can't wait to see what lies ahead of me for the second half of internship and how my final project(s) will turn out. Even though moving out of Mission Corporate Center might be the end of an era for T4L, it will generate new opportunities and help balance the economical portion of their company. As for me, I am prepared to experience how online work will pertain and if it might be something I would want to pursue in the future.
Week 4: Blog #7 |
1/30/24
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How have you seen you role develop or change throughout the course of internship?
At the beginning of my internship, I was navigating through Wixie and adjusting to the work environment that Tech4Learning offered me. My first week was mainly a practice and discover week, where I learned the basics of coding and how it is implemented into Wixie, as well as how the company operates. Also, I began as an outsider to the T4L community, but I quickly became welcomed and comfortable in the atmosphere. As my internship hours increased, so did my level work and the impact I had on the company. I started to code programs and products that were directly implemented into Wixie, thus giving me a more important role with Tech4Learning. Currently, I truly see myself as an actual employee of the company, given the fact I am completing work at level of one working at T4L. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work at such a high role inside a company for an internship, especially as a high school student. I aim to complete more piano soundtracks and code more talkies to be displayed on Wixie!
At the beginning of my internship, I was navigating through Wixie and adjusting to the work environment that Tech4Learning offered me. My first week was mainly a practice and discover week, where I learned the basics of coding and how it is implemented into Wixie, as well as how the company operates. Also, I began as an outsider to the T4L community, but I quickly became welcomed and comfortable in the atmosphere. As my internship hours increased, so did my level work and the impact I had on the company. I started to code programs and products that were directly implemented into Wixie, thus giving me a more important role with Tech4Learning. Currently, I truly see myself as an actual employee of the company, given the fact I am completing work at level of one working at T4L. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work at such a high role inside a company for an internship, especially as a high school student. I aim to complete more piano soundtracks and code more talkies to be displayed on Wixie!
Week 4: Blog #8 |
1/30/24
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What advice would you give a student who might pursue your field of internship?
I would recommend this internship to any student ten out of ten times, even to those who aren't as interested in technology. Personally, coding, programming, and even the education system did not interest me as a possible future career, and I still don't think it does. But I think the most important part of internship, especially an introductory one as a high school student, is about adjusting to a work atmosphere and experiencing how the real world works. On contrary, I still do believe that one should choose an internship based off of personal interests or beliefs, just like how one of my main desires is to help my community, which is why I chose Tech4Learning. Furthermore, if you are interested in technology or benefiting the education system, then I would definitely recommend this internship. Tech4Learning provides you with the resources to have an amazing experience and learn a plethora of new key skills. I have been able to create products that are put to use inside hundreds of schools around the nation. I guarantee that if you do this internship, you will leave understanding that you made an impact with your work in a positive way, on tens of thousands of children's lives. Although there is the issue of Tech4Learning moving out of their current office soon, so if an online internship isn't your thing, this internship might not be the right choice for you.
I would recommend this internship to any student ten out of ten times, even to those who aren't as interested in technology. Personally, coding, programming, and even the education system did not interest me as a possible future career, and I still don't think it does. But I think the most important part of internship, especially an introductory one as a high school student, is about adjusting to a work atmosphere and experiencing how the real world works. On contrary, I still do believe that one should choose an internship based off of personal interests or beliefs, just like how one of my main desires is to help my community, which is why I chose Tech4Learning. Furthermore, if you are interested in technology or benefiting the education system, then I would definitely recommend this internship. Tech4Learning provides you with the resources to have an amazing experience and learn a plethora of new key skills. I have been able to create products that are put to use inside hundreds of schools around the nation. I guarantee that if you do this internship, you will leave understanding that you made an impact with your work in a positive way, on tens of thousands of children's lives. Although there is the issue of Tech4Learning moving out of their current office soon, so if an online internship isn't your thing, this internship might not be the right choice for you.
Week 5: Blog #9 |
2/5/24
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How has internship affected you future decisions outside of HTHMA?
My internship has helped opened the door towards possible future career opportunities, college outlooks, and desired work atmospheres. By working in both a traditional office, and remotely at home, I was able to immerse myself into both sides of work-life. After performing internship at the T4L office as well as online from my desk at home, I definitely favor the in-person work category. Furthermore, I loved experiencing the social atmosphere that Tech4Learning offered at their office; I was able to communicate with my co-workers easier as well as have more engaging 1-on-1 conversations with my mentor. As I transitioned into asynchronous internship, there was definitely a communication barrier, and I only kept contact with Melinda. One outweighing pro of working from home is the flexibility involved. I felt more comfortable, and my breaks included cooking healthier foods, working out, and playing the piano(instead of phone breaks at the office). I was also able to work from coffee shops or other diverse environments, which was a relaxing and productive hobby that I performed often in my final weeks. As for my future, I would definitely be more keen towards in-person work, since I prefer socializing and collaborating with my peers face to face. As for future careers, helping various communities is something that I am moving forward with as a possibility, but through a different form of profession. I still want to pursue a financial or business path, and as much as coding and interning in a technological atmosphere was a unique and creative experience for me, I don't think that I would go into a career related to these skills.
My internship has helped opened the door towards possible future career opportunities, college outlooks, and desired work atmospheres. By working in both a traditional office, and remotely at home, I was able to immerse myself into both sides of work-life. After performing internship at the T4L office as well as online from my desk at home, I definitely favor the in-person work category. Furthermore, I loved experiencing the social atmosphere that Tech4Learning offered at their office; I was able to communicate with my co-workers easier as well as have more engaging 1-on-1 conversations with my mentor. As I transitioned into asynchronous internship, there was definitely a communication barrier, and I only kept contact with Melinda. One outweighing pro of working from home is the flexibility involved. I felt more comfortable, and my breaks included cooking healthier foods, working out, and playing the piano(instead of phone breaks at the office). I was also able to work from coffee shops or other diverse environments, which was a relaxing and productive hobby that I performed often in my final weeks. As for my future, I would definitely be more keen towards in-person work, since I prefer socializing and collaborating with my peers face to face. As for future careers, helping various communities is something that I am moving forward with as a possibility, but through a different form of profession. I still want to pursue a financial or business path, and as much as coding and interning in a technological atmosphere was a unique and creative experience for me, I don't think that I would go into a career related to these skills.
Week 5: Blog #10 |
2/5/24
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How do you feel about returning school? Will internship affect your schoolwork?
I really don't want to go back. Internship has been such an amazing experience and throughout its duration I have gathered countless different life-lessons and opportunities that contribute to my overall future growth. Because of my internship with Tech4learning, I now know the basics of HTML and SVG coding, as well as how to work in both an online and in-person work atmosphere and several other career skills. In school, I believe that I will have better organization and time-management with my work. I strongly abide by this because in the real world there are no second chances. If I didn't complete a talkie on time or get a lesson plan coded early enough, customers might get aggravated and T4L could lose money. This was motivation for me to complete my work before its "deadline". Furthermore, by having to generate creative and unique ideas for Wixie, I trust myself to input that mindset into future projects and classwork in order to stray away from normality.
I really don't want to go back. Internship has been such an amazing experience and throughout its duration I have gathered countless different life-lessons and opportunities that contribute to my overall future growth. Because of my internship with Tech4learning, I now know the basics of HTML and SVG coding, as well as how to work in both an online and in-person work atmosphere and several other career skills. In school, I believe that I will have better organization and time-management with my work. I strongly abide by this because in the real world there are no second chances. If I didn't complete a talkie on time or get a lesson plan coded early enough, customers might get aggravated and T4L could lose money. This was motivation for me to complete my work before its "deadline". Furthermore, by having to generate creative and unique ideas for Wixie, I trust myself to input that mindset into future projects and classwork in order to stray away from normality.