Answer

Information Literacy

Question 1: Critical Thinking

When giving a presentation for new graduates and seasoned professionals, I would consider various elements in my presentation. For instance, new graduates’ presentations will incorporate information and images that will be easy for them to understand and remember. According to Ćurlin et al. (2020), graduates often find it complex to understand a presentation with many words and clip arts. Thus, it is essential to implement approaches such as using graphs and bullet points. In the presentation for new graduates, I would use words such as defining, describing, list, match, and name. On the other hand, a seasoned professional’s presentation will focus on applying and analyzing the presented information. In this presentation, I would use words such as calculate, apply, classify, analyze, arrange, compare, and differentiate, among others.

Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy has six levels: remember, understand, apply, evaluate, analyze and create. While creating a new graduate’s presentation, I will center on understanding, remember, and analyzing levels. Miskam and Saidalvi (2019) indicate that a presentation for new graduates should feature information that is easy for the learners to understand. At this level, I would use simple words in bullet forms, short paragraphs, and captivating images. On the other hand, in presentation for seasoned professionals, I would focus on applying, evaluating, and creating. Given that I will be handling seasoned professionals, the presentation will include information to justify, appraise or argue (Chen et al., 2019). Moreover, I would ensure that seasoned professionals can use that information to create new content and ideas.

Question 2: Self-Assessment

Out of 100%, I believe that my computer and the network I use are 90% secured. This is because I have not experienced cases of fraud or cyberbullying. The specific security measures that I currently use are ensuring that I have a trusted anti-virus that protects my computer from internet viruses. While considering the network I use, I ensure that I use a Wi-Fi connection from trusted dealers and only access genuine websites. Moreover, I avoid sharing my passwords and logins with anybody or any website.  There are different approaches that I would implement to enhance my computer and network security. For instance, I would consider upgrading new and enhanced software and hardware, creating strong passwords, and double-checking downloads.

In these modern days, people are turning into online shopping. Thus, some websites often require personal information such as email to complete a registration process. Before registering and sharing my email to such online shopping websites, I ensure I am registering with a reliable and lawfully registered website. Moreover, I have an anti-virus, Kaspersky Internet Security, informing me if a website is presented risks to my computer. To ensure that I protect my computer from internet viruses, I double-check the websites and select only the recognized website such as iTunes and YouTube to watch or download any content from the internet. According to Tayal et al. (2017), most viruses end up crushing computers generate from content downloaded from a fake website, resulting in cybercrime.

Creating strong passwords is another approach that I consider as a security measure for my computer and network. According to Maximov et al. (2017), a strong password should be long and contain both alphabets and numbers. A strong password should not be less than sixteen characters. However, most individuals use eight or fewer words. Moreover, to ensure that I secure my network and computer, I often update newer software and hardware updates.  Liu et al. (2019) indicate that software update is essential since it often includes critical patches to security holes. Moreover, software updates enhance the stability of my software and remove outdated features. All these updates are aimed at improving security and user experience.

In my school, different approaches have been implemented to enhance network and computer security. These measures range from taking ownership at the senior level to staying in touch with the learners.  One of the measures implemented in my school is establishing a solid online perimeter. This involves creating a solid boundary firewall and internet gateways to secure school networks from cyber-attacks, unapproved access, and ill-disposed content (Hyun et al., 2018). Cybersecurity controls are often monitored and tested regularly. Other approaches include creating solid access control policies, ensuring secure configuration and patch management, and investing in cybersecurity. My school has established adequate procedures for handling user prerogatives to their system to reduce the risk of intentional and unintentional attacks. Users are often presented with the exact time they necessitate to accomplish their tasks. When organization members such as teachers leave school, their access is withdrawn immediately. All reports are kept up to date to limit exploitation of old reports.

My school comprehends what hardware and software are being used on their network to guarantee secure arrangement, and patch management and guarantee configuration modifications are authorized, documented, and executed competently. Furthermore, devices are programmed; only authorized users can make modifications. Software updates and security applications are often completed when released by manufacturers. Another measure implemented in my school to ensure they prevent cybercrime is thoroughly assessing third providers. In most cases, the school ensures that they vet all third-party program providers to ensure their security and safety procedures are as valid as possible (Wang et al., 2018). Access to learners, parents, and trustees is conferred by teachers using email addresses given in person. The above measures implemented in my school have proved to reduce the number of cyberbullying cases experienced in schools. Moreover, by implementing these security measures, the school manages to protect students’ information from hackers. These measures also prevent students from accessing illegal websites.

Question 3: Self-Assessment

Presentation skills are described as abilities an individual requires to deliver a compelling, appealing, educational, transformative, instructional, enlightening, and illuminating presentation (Joseph & Sherine, 2019). Central to practice, presentation abilities are public speaking, tone of voice, body language, creativity, and delivery.  Out of ten, I would rank my presentation skills to eight due to various factors. For instance, I am good at verbal communication. I can communicate in a clear, concise, and concrete way in front of an audience. I believe I have a practical delivery approach, given that I can use techniques such as body language and pauses that punch my words.  I can control my emotion and adapt to the environment whenever addressing an audience.

Regarding my presentation skill weaknesses, I perceive public speaking as intimidating and have frequently had issues with presentations. Moreover, I often find it complex to include humor in my presentation, given that the audiences fail to understand my jokes. According to Zaitseva (2020), while presenting a presentation, the speaker should often include storytelling for the audience to understand the content being presented. I often experience complexity in this segment, given that I am not good at storytelling. On some occasions, I may experience a difficult time motivating the audience.  Shyness is another factor that I grapple with when addressing large gatherings. On most occasions, I often find it frightening to invite questions or raise points, so I fail to engage my audience. On some occasions, I grapple with a negative review and become preoccupied with rectifying myself after getting notes from an instructor or audience.

I have implemented different approaches to overcome my weaknesses. For instance, to overcome my shyness, I have been attempting to be more spoken in smaller clubs to become extra self-confident. To enhance my public speaking skills, I consider public speaking sessions at a neighborhood college to become more positive and study to structure a speech more efficiently. Moreover, I try to be more vocal in class and group discussions to present my ideas. To overcome negative criticism, I believe it is essential to learn to be less harsh on myself. Furthermore, I consider using the negative criticisms as positive platforms to help me work on my weakness. 

In the workplace, various occasions may require a verbal presentation. These often include conveying feedback in a constructive approach, emphasizing significant changeable characters, setting the employees’ needs, wants, and feelings regarding work, introducing a new product or idea to the board, and suggesting changes to improve the organization’s productivity. In ten years, I would have advanced my career to a position where I make more presentations. During this period, the skills necessary in my career will include enhanced verbal communication, verbal speaking, able to take criticism, enhanced leadership skills, and less shy.