Thursday, June 19, 2008

Visual Porfolio

Victor Manuel Mendez

vmendez1@gmu.edu

Eng 302-BN6 (Natural Science) Online Course

Professor Mel Nichols

Visual Project

Introduction

My name is Victor Mendez and I am a senior at George Mason University. I am seeking a major in Electrical Engineering and I am planning to graduate on May 2009. Currently I am not seeking a minor however I am interested in getting a minor in Mathematics. If I chosen to go for minor in Mathematics then my graduation will be postpone until December 2009. I chose Electrical engineering because I have always been interested in electronics and applications of electricity in general.

My current career goals are to gain experience through internships before I graduate and after graduation find a gratifying job that will enhance my knowledge. After I graduate I would like to either work for the government or in the private sector. I would also like my future job to be related to the development and testing of new technology. I also plan to seek my master’s degree after getting my bachelors. I want to start working towards my masters as soon as I graduate. I am hoping that my future job will help me pay the tuition cost of the master’s degree.

Here is some back ground information on me. I am 21 years old and I am from El Salvador. I came to the United States when I was 11 years old. I have a big family composed of 5 brothers including myself and one sister. I happen to be the first person out of my family to go to college and soon the first one to get a bachelors degree. I hope my younger brother and my younger cousins follow my steps into s successful life. I firmly believe that the United States is the country of opportunities and one of the keys to success is a good education.

Briefing on the kind of visual information used in Electrical Engineering

Purpose: The purpose of this briefing is to give a general overview of the types visual representation of information used in Electrical Engineering

Background: Electrical Engineers are at the front line of innovation in technology. Electrical Engineers usually work in teams with people having background in other fields of engineering and people with no background on engineering. Good communication is vital in these teams for the completion of projects and overall goals. The most common types of visual representation of information used in Electrical Engineering are circuit diagrams, structural diagrams, graphs and videos.

· Circuit Diagrams: Circuit diagrams are used mainly on lab reports. These give the reader a better idea of how the circuit works and how parts are connected together. Complicated circuits are studied more effectively by separating them into different parts and displaying them as separate diagrams. Circuit diagrams usually appear at the beginning of a presentation/lab report to serve as a guide.

· Structural Diagrams: In my current internship I have come across structural diagrams. The diagrams are used to show and simplify the connection between two systems. For example, a structural diagram will show how a satellite communicates with a ground station. Structural diagrams can come at the beginning, middle or end of a presentation. These diagrams also help the reader/audience understand how the two systems work together.

· Graphs: Many times I have preformed a lab and taken tons of data for a circuit. To show the characteristics of the circuit, the data is plotted in a graph to display any relationships. For example, a graph can help demonstrate a linear relationship between current and voltage. Graphs can be found anywhere with in a presentation where there is a table with data that needs to be interpreted or analyzed.

· Videos: Videos are a very useful visual representation of information in Electrical Engineering. Videos are used to show how to set up experiments, to show how a particular device works and to show the completion of a particular project. Videos are highly preferred in presentation because the technical aspects of what is being presented become easy to understand. Usually a video will be shown at the end of the presentation, as a tool to pull the entire presentation together.

Current Status: In project presentations in Electrical Engineering, like a senior design project, most of the above aids will be used. Electrical Engineers work on complex projects that have distinct parts such circuitry, building component, data fathering and data analysis. The preferred presentation for such projects is power point presentations where all the visual aids can be incorporated with ease.

Conclusion: In Electrical Engineers, the most common types of visual representation of information are circuit diagrams, structural diagrams, graphs and videos. Electrical Engineers work in teams which can include people with backgrounds on other engineering fields and people with no background on engineering. Good communication within the team is vital for project completion. Visual representations of information provide a good aid to enhance a presentation with in a team of engineers and non-engineers.

Briefing on some current topics in Electrical Engineering

Purpose: The purpose of this briefing is to give a general overview of some current topics in Electrical Engineering

Background: To day Electrical Engineer have the opportunity to work on various different types of innovative projects. As the world advances into an age where technological advancements make our lives easier, Electrical Engineers put their innovative minds to work. Some current topics in Electrical Engineering are energy, communication systems and embedded computers.

· Energy: One of the most imperative issues in Electrical engineering and the world is energy. Without energy the world would plunges into a new Dark Age. The supply of non-renewable sources of energy will soon start to deplete. It is of most importance for new renewable sources of energy to be developed. Already there are many alternatives sources of energy that are being consider. However many of these sources do not provide the sufficient energy to meet the demands. Electrical Engineers along with other engineers and scientist need to work to improve current alternative sources of energy and come up with new ones.

· Communication Systems: Today the world demands faster flow of information. Every day teams of electrical engineers work to upgrade and come up with better communication systems. There are always satellites and ground networks that need to be upgrades in order to ensure efficient and faster communication. Communication systems can be found in areas such news, weather forecast, wireless phone networks and global positioning systems.

· Embedded Computers: Looking at the world today, computers are found everywhere. Essentially every electronic device as a small computer embedded inside. It is of great importance that these embedded computers and computers in general become more efficient. Examples where computers play a major part are cars, airplanes, televisions, cell pones and hand held music players.

Current Status: Electrical Engineers play an important role in our present society. Electrical Engineers can be found working in power plants, satellite systems, electronics design, and many other areas.

Conclusion: Thanks to the effort of Electrical Engineers technology keeps advancing making our lives easier. Electrical Engineers work in many areas that have a direct impact on us. Some current issues in Electrical Engineering are energy, communication systems and embedded computers. Next time there is a new the technological advancement such as a new cell phone or a faster computer, it is guaranteed that Electrical Engineers play an important part in the development of the new technology.

Proposal: Learning about the Global Positioning System, GPS

The Global Positioning System also known as GPS has come to play an important role in our daily lives. Every time some one uses an application such as google maps, mapquest or navigation systems device, they are essentially using the GPS. It is important that everyone who uses GPS directly or indirectly knows how the GPS works. Just like learning the basics on how to use a computer is essential to everyone, people should also have a general idea about other innovative technologies such as the GPS.

Having knowledge of Global Positioning System is important to anyone who travels constantly, anyone who owns a navigation systems or a smart-phone with Global Positioning System features. In today world almost everyone has come across the navigation system device. But how does it work? Is it a magic box or is there more to it? The audience for this visual project is anyone who owns devices that use the GPS but also anyone seeking to expand their knowledge on technology in general.

The best way to show how the GPS works is to show the diagrams of the different parts that compose it. The first diagram will show the type of satellite that makes up the GPS network. The second diagram will show GPS satellite network with satellites and their respective orbits. Another diagram can help explain how the network is divided into different sectors and how the satellites in each sector work together to male the GPS more efficient. The final diagrams will show the ground stations or devices that received the information form the GPS satellites.

The diagrams can either be presented using full poster boards or a power point presentation. The power point presentation will be the most likable choice to be used in this presentation. It does not take long to come up with a power point presentation and the diagrams can expanded to whatever necessary size to show any important details. To best show the details of the GPS in the diagrams, it would be best to use pictures from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. Many resources can be found at the NASA website, and other websites dedicated to space technologies, that can help with describing the GPS system.

To show how the GPS satellite network works with diagrams will ensure the audience gets a clear picture in their minds. Most people do know not how map-quest or google maps get aerial pictures and detail maps of the places where they want to travel. The diagrams will make the complex GPS network more understandable and simple. People will be able to understand what happens at the other end of a navigation system. Overall the audience will learn to appreciate the technology that makes up the Global positioning System.

Visual: The Global Positioning System

Use the following link to view Visual Project

http://www.slideshare.net/MrMendez007/victor-mendez-visual-project-group-2/

Short Business Letter:

4013 Lassen Ct

Alexandria, VA 22312

June 17, 2008

George Mason University

Eng 302 Online Course

Dear English 302 Classmates,

Today the world is filled with exiting innovative technology. Thanks to innovative technologies our lives become easier and free of hassle. It is important how ever that the technology should not be taken for granted. We should make an effort to have a basic understanding how technology works I have created a visual representation of information to help you understand how the Global Positioning System, GPS works. The GPS is a network of satellites that was created with military purposes but that has come to have a great impact on the lives of ordinary people. Thanks to the GPS you no longer have to buy large, confusing maps when you go on a road trip. All you need is your navigation system that uses the GPS network to lead you towards your desired destination. If you are interested in learning basic information about the GPS feel free to take a look at my visual presentation

Sincerely,

Victor Mendez

Section for Questions and Comments:

2 comments:

c h r i s t i n a said...

How does the INTRODUCTION function in this portfolio?

It provides information about the author and his decisions to become an electrical engineer. I think this is important because it puts a story behind the person writing. I think it brings more depth to the portfolio.

How does the BRIEFING of Visual Representations of Information provide
a clear and useful overview of applications in the person's field (or
not)?

I thoroughly liked reading through the types of visual representations in electrical engineering. The author was well organized in his ideas. He provided an intro, a body, examples, and conclusions. This makes it very easy and accessible to the readers.

What do you learn from BRIEFING of Current Topics? What potential
topics might there be for an advanced scholarly paper?

I correlated the topics in electrical engineering to my everyday life. Energy, communication, and computers play a large role because I am a student and also work in the health care field. We frequently use computers, electric devices, and communication devices in the workplace. I learned that electrical engineers are working toward new innovations for alternate sources of energy and are working toward achieving faster communications.

Maybe a scholarly paper could consist of the topic of earth friendly measures. As in, how would the continuing and increased use of electrical devices have an impact on our planet?

How would you evaluate the effectiveness of the PROPOSAL? How will
this project benefit the target audience? How clearly is the target
audience defined? How viable does the overall plan sound?

Was the goal of the proposal for more people to USE GPS or have an appreciation for the GPS? If the goals was for appreciation then I definately appreciate it for helping those who need it (i.e. military). If it intended to persuade me to use, I don't think it met the criteria. I have used a GPS before and it has lead me in the wrong direction a couple times. I find using maps easier.

The target audience is vague. It states the audience is, "anyone who owns devices that use the GPS" and I am confused as to what devices actually use GPS. It would be helpful if the author stated the devices. He also states the audience is "anyone seeking to expand their knowledge on technology in general". Technology is a broad subject and some may not want to review GPS.

The idea to use a powerpoint presentation and diagrams are a good way to display the uses of GPS.

Evaluate the final VISUAL project. Note its professional qualities,
its user-friendliness, its clarity in presenting the information, it's
effectiveness at helping a non-expert understand the concept or ideas
or processes explained via the visual.

It is very user friendly and short and to the point. I enjoyed the graphics because it helped me visualize it better. It also made me appreciated the complexities of the GPS system. The non expert is able to read the captions easily and the visuals are very helpful. GPS is pretty neat!

Evaluate the business letter? Is it professional and persuasive?
Brief and to the point? Other?

The letter is very professional. It is short and concise. Based on just the letter, I was not persuaded into learning more about the GPS. I was persuaded by the other components of the visual portfolio. It was formatted well and provided good examples but I think it was missing some kind of X factor for persuasion. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a good salesperson and not that great at persuading either.

What has the author done particularly well? What improvements would
you recommend? What other observations do you have for the author
about this project?

I think the visual representation was great! I like the powerpoint idea and wished that I used that format for my images. His organization was great. He provided a clear beginning, middle and end, to each portfolio component. I think GPS is great (for certain people)!

ps: thanks for the constructive and informative comment on my visual portfolio too! :)

jflasher said...

Jordan Flasher

How does the INTRODUCTION function in this portfolio?

He talks about how he wants to become an eletrical engineer and how he has been interested in electronics and applications of electricity.

How does the BRIEFING of Visual Representations of Information provide a clear and useful overview of applications in the person's field (or
not)?

I really like how he talked about the new technology that GPS has to offer. He contains a well written introduction, as well as a body and conclusion.

What do you learn from BRIEFING of Current Topics? What potential
topics might there be for an advanced scholarly paper?

I learned that the most common types of visual representation of information used in eletrical engineering are circuit diagrams, structural diagrams, graphs, and videos. He could easily present a scholarly paper on how each one presents its data.

How would you evaluate the effectiveness of the PROPOSAL? How will this project benefit the target audience? How clearly is the target audience defined? How viable does the overall plan sound?

I feel that he explained the use of the GPS very thouroughly. He talked about how it has contributed to our daily demands and how the technology works. He could of also tried to persuade readers to buy GPS but I like the overall paper as is.

Evaluate the final VISUAL project. Note its professional qualities,
its user-friendliness, its clarity in presenting the information, it's
effectiveness at helping a non-expert understand the concept or ideas or processes explained via the visual.

It is very nice and to the point. The visual helped me really get inside a GPS system and learn its techniques.

Evaluate the business letter? Is it professional and persuasive?
Brief and to the point? Other?

I like the buisness letter but I feel you could come out a little more convincing in the first few sentences. You kind of just say why GPS is important instead of pleeding your case. But overall it was a very clear and concise paper.