STEM CAPSTONE
Time To Reflect...
Reflecting on the design process
As the main user of my Capstone, I needed to emphasize the importance of the Design Process to make the best possible solution for the problem I was addressing: lack of student voice.
In terms of the design process, I gained the most insight and growth through the Investigate and Interpret steps.
At first, I was certain that I knew every aspect of my problem. But, that would never be the case because I was a biased resource because of my own experiences. Expanding the amount of root causes and users in my Capstone was the first step to finding a fitting solution for others to use.
How would I Improve my solution
In terms of success, my product could have been better. With the feedback I received about changing the morning announcements skill, I would improve the skill to act as a reminder to check the morning meeting slides instead of having someone update them every day.
I would like to make it possible for future students to vote and develop similar student voice Alexa skills and have the suggestions be addressed. This was feedback I received from the Implement step.
how did i problem solve?
I learned a few aspects of JavaScript coding and I taught myself how to properly set up a code script for a process that was so fresh and new to me. I also ran into learning outside code, not needing it for the end product and now I know two types of code and the in and outs of the Alexa Developer Console.
At one point I was thoroughly convinced I was not capable or “smart” enough to pull off making two skills. I saw the challenge I was about to take on as impossible to tackle and burst into tears. I had so much self-doubt because this was all very new and intimidating.
I realized that this was not going to develop itself and I wiped away my tears and remembered how important this is to me and began teaching myself how to do this. I continued and tested and retested until I was successful. The biggest way I overcame the problems was through the help and support of Shecalf, Hecalf, my boyfriend and my community partner, Coach Grandison.