My Learning Journey IS40030 by

Week 1: Introduction to the Module

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 20:02:48 UTC

I was not enrolled in the course for the first 3 weeks, so, unfortunately, I did not get to be fully engaged in seminar sessions. However, I did review the content from these weeks in my own time. I read the various texts provided, participated in padlets and got myself prepared to learn! Once I understood what was happening, I got super excited to join!

Week 2: Information & the Information Professional

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 20:13:55 UTC

I was still not involved in the course, so this was a self-taught week. I did attend the lecture, but this was only a trial week, so I did not have access to any readings or information before the class. But after reading over the texts and about Prof. Tom Wilson, I was upset I didn't get to interact with the seminar. I would have loved to ask him more about viewing individuals as "information animals" and how this may affect our ability to properly understand and connect with one another and our surroundings.

When reading "Looking for information: a survey of research on information seeking, needs, and behaviour," I began to feel in tune with what was expected from this class. My curiosity was sparked, and I wanted to learn more about what information behaviour entails and the relating activities. Information evolution was particularly interesting to me; understanding how information may transform on its own and dependent on individuals really set the stage for the remainder of the semester. HOlistically analyzing the weeks to come was my intention.

Week 3: Information and Communication in Everyday Life and Leisure Settings

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 21:22:23 UTC

In my previous semester, I was living in Lisbon, Portugal. The streets were filled with graffiti, similar to Canada, except in Lisbon; I recall seeing people pull out their tools in the middle of the day and tagging many recognizable pieces and more comfortability with this. I went to Singapore during my holiday, where graffiti does not exist. Before I went, I was informed of the heavily policed graffiti/street art in Singapore, but I never expected it to be so blank; not one tag or even sticker would be found on the streets. Listening to Ann Graf speak so passionately about graffiti was moving. Learning the dimensions of such art, from how it is controlled and viewed by the public eye, was particularly intriguing, given my exposure to it. She states that the graffiti art movement is still in its infant days, which makes me curious about where this may go towards. This is only something new that I have been paying more attention to in the past year. By exploring my surroundings, meeting artists, and reading Ann Graf's work, I am looking forward to what is to come.

The other readings for the week also provided me with further reflection. Plamann's study almost felt like a personal therapy session. I analyzed how I may cope with distressing news via monitoring or blunting mechanisms. I certainly felt that for myself, it is a strong mix, depending on the situation at hand. This was certainly something that I have reflected on in my own time in order to better understand my actions and reactions.

Urban exploration is all over my Instagram news feed, from new locations to check out, beautiful videos, and "must-see" content; this realm has been pulling on my curiosity. I felt that this had a strong tie to graffiti. Both acts can be seen in a deviant fashion or even used together. The study particularly found that people who do these activists are seeking a creative outlet, a challenge, and more. I also feel this way at times, maybe not on the level of scaling buildings and documenting things, but I do feel pulled to explore the unbeaten path and hop a fence or two if I feel compelled. I think it is curiosity, not looking to make anything out of it, but seeking what may be out there.

Week 4: Observation in Practice

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 21:33:31 UTC

I have always felt able to read people's body language, which can sometimes be very annoying because it can feel like information overload, especially when people's words don't match their body language. I was intrigued to watch how a trained professional dissects these components about people on a more severe level. I've watched other detective videos on youtube. They get an individual who occupied a particular position to compare movie spy's actions to what they had to do, and I always found these fascinating.

This also helps set up a strong foundation for how we can go about our unobtrusive research project. Understanding how to remain silent and watch individuals body language provided a new tool for these observational findings.

In all my courses, ethics is touched upon for a good reason. I found the readings from this week to give some more context to this specific field of information behaviour research. It is weird to understand how to respect people, even when not informing them that they are being watched. I continued to think about if I may also be a part of a research project at this very moment...

This week got me thinking about how I analyze the world around me and how others may be doing the same and with me as a reference point for their findings...

Week 5: Blending Contexts - Social Technologies, Networking, and Information Dissemination

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 21:50:08 UTC

Social media plays such a major role in how we communicate, it is literally a new mode of communication that contains various forms of interpretations. From liking and image on instagram to subtweeting someone on Twitter, the ways in which we communicate and obtain information is ever-changing and harder than ever to understand. I find myself constantly trying to disseminate information, trying my hardest not to assume things, which can be sooooo easy when getting information via social networking platforms.

Learning about social capital theory got me yet again, considering my own personal actions. Looking at my ego has been a topic of interest of mine for some time now, and understanding the power of this was also reflected in this reading. Lin &Smiths description of identity with our ego and how that trickles into our relations was very therapeutic in a sense. Helping me analyse the role my own internal being has in how I disseminate information. This also brought to light the importance of networks exemplified in Coleman and Bourdieus work. How does my ego play a role in my networks? This was something that this class really had be reflect on. The work of all authors that I chose to read this week brought new self inquisitive questions to light. How strong are my ties to my ego and my networks, how much time have i invested, how am I viewed by others and myself, and how that affects my information behaviour.

Week 5...

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 21:52:44 UTC

After this week, I got super into conspiracy theories... I started learning all about this Avril Lavigne case and now have been so scared that my childhood icon may not be the real one!

Week 6: Information and Communication Where We Work

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 22:07:29 UTC

Karen Fisher was such an incredible guest! I am so thankful she had so much information to provide our class with. She is such an incredible presenter and researcher, as I was fully engaged and wanted to learn more from her and her adventures. I was so impressed with her humanitarian work while remaining such a dedicated academic, truly an interesting human to have! I used a similar framework to her information grounds in my final report; I found it extremely useful and a powerful tool for understanding one's environment.

When it came to the other readings, I was intrigued by Baker's research on police and prostitution. First of all, I have learnt very little about how police may investigate such work and remain safe in dangerous situations. I know more about sex workers and how it is stigmatized and heavily policed, but not in this context, which interested me in work being done. I was baffled to know that anyone could take on these roles in the workplace, thrown into the fire, as one may say. This didn't give me a good impression. Knowing that people can be placed in these situations with minimal training sounds very ill-organized and unsafe for all parties involved.

I don't think I believe at the moment decision-making in all situations, especially those so severe and are meant to be planned and organized. All the texts I read focused somewhat on tools and safety. When workers have the tools to make informed decisions or ask for help, the potential to succeed is far greater than without, except this isn't plausible in all situations, so one would have to gamble chance. I feel that with honest communication in the workplace, individuals can rely on one another to help out or make new rules and regulations for operations. I would consider this to be an intelligent way to keep everyone safe.

Week 7: Information and Communication in Unique Contexts

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 22:31:08 UTC

So how does one think under pressure. I certainly do not have that skill down... I always wondered how individuals occupying these positions handled there jobs so well, cause I dont believe I would be cut out for it. Communication is key, but so its training and rehearsing. Specifically in the air ambulance case, we saw that repetition and practicing is what keeps the team alert ad prepared for any situation. But once again everyone is different, so regardless of knowing how to handle a problem such as a car crash, the way the individuals responds will effect how their plan of action is undergone.

Trust is defiantly a key communication tool. People can communicate but to communicate well you have to hope honesty is occurring, and for that to happen there also has to be mutual trust. Trust enables stronger communication. In the air ambulance case, each person had to focus on their role and task and trust that others will do their duty which would result in the best outcome for all. These professions seem to deal with immense amounts of stress and I can only imagine the ways in which that may alter my communication style.

I learned a-lot about how these people prepare themselves for such issues. Never knowing when a problem will arise and what they may have to deal with, but only through practise and teamwork do they stand a chance at supporting individuals in these emergency situations.

Week 8: Field trip

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 22:39:48 UTC

I wanted to explore more of Ireland and do something challenging for myself. I decided to go to the Vico baths for a polar dip! The long lost eire 7 sign was only uncovered a couple years ago, and was replaced and established over a 6 month period. This area has a lovely sign displaying the history of why the eire signs existed and how they were refurbished. Since the eire symbol is so large it certainly sparks curiosity on your walk down to the water, thankfully the sign is posted right next to it, containing information in english and gaelic for people to learn more about it. I felt that the information was clearly written, but I ended up getting most of my information from locals when I told them what I saw. Everyone had some insight as to what was going on with the war, or how the sign was rediscovered. I found those conversations much more interesting and engaging that the little detailed sign beside the eire 7 symbol by the baths. Other than that the water was crisp and I wish I could go back more often because damn it is pretty!

Week 9: Managing Workplace Information and Communication- Seminar Leader

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 22:57:12 UTC

I was seminar leader this week, which I was really excited about! I love presenting; not sure why but maybe it's cause I was a theatre kid in high school, either way, it is fun for me! I got to work with Amelia, which was nice because I had never met them before this class. We decided to divide our readings and conquer our presentation. I took on the cold fusion case. This story was particularly interesting when trying to make sense of the timeline of actions and the intent behind everyone's actions. I am no scientist, so I don't know how important such findings may be... but from this story, it was evident that there was a lot on the line. I felt that these teams should have just continued to work together. I got angry that they separated and were inpatient because that is no way that these findings should occur. At least has someone who benefits from scientific findings, such as vaccinations; I´d like to know that these findings are being reviewed, communicated, and checked repeatedly, instead of rushed in hopes of receiving a title and money...

Leading this seminar was fun, but I struggled with the technology. I had never shared my screen through zoom while using canva present. So I wasn´t prepared to ensure my topic notes were readily available for me but not my audience. This is something that I worked on solving afterward because I am sure this won't be the last time I will be presenting via zoom over canva. I would have maybe practised this feature before presenting if I had another chance to ensure a smoother lecture.

Week 10: Translating Observed Patterns of Behaviour into models

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:10:42 UTC

This week, I enjoyed generating my own information processing model utilizing the proposed model. I felt like I understood how to develop the model by looking clearly at the flow of information and how it is acquired and used. I was able to take a pretty typical situation and see it in a contextual framework. Since living in Ireland, understanding what to dress like when you leave the house can be a gamble; I felt this situation would bring insightful context to information behaviour. As mentioned previously, I don't mind presenting or chatting, so when explaining my model, I was only insecure about completing the tasks correctly. but after everyone was presenting, it seemed to be the same for everyone, which was reassuring. I realize that other processes and decisions can easily be broken into these categories and frameworks. I began to think about how I make my decisions at work or complete my assignments via this model, which further hurt my brain. This whole semester has brought new ways of analyzing my internal and external realities, which can be quite overwhelming despite its interesting. This model also helped within my observational study; it made me recognize some of the processes and channels that patrons take when they enter the cafe and try and decide where to sit, what to order, and more.

Week 11: The Evolving Area of Human Interaction & Our Professional Commitment- Tech angel

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:20:07 UTC

As Barista, I interact with many people in a day and how I interact with people varies depending on so many factors. How people ask me questions, whether they smile or not, and their confidence levels all affect how I will interact with them. I decided to learn more about the information behaviour of baristas and how they seek, process, and deal with information. I read an essay completed at the University of Washington that clearly described baristas' basic information behaviour, such as how they exchange information with one another and customers. Baristas possess both hard and soft skills; working at a specialty cafe makes a barista seen as intelligent about all things coffee, but in my case, I was a new staff member, I didn't know the flavours of all the beans we sell, so at moments I would have to rely on other members for certain information. Body language, working in a rush, and networks all play a role in the barista's information behaviour and how they may affect other information behaviour. I was happy to go further in detail about this certain role not only because it is the one I currently possess but also due to my observational study being in a cafe and how my colleagues and my own information behaviour have a role on those that I am observing.

Week 12: Project Presentations

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:28:08 UTC

Ummmmm, how did the semester end so fast? I was so lost about what I was going to learn this semester, and now I can´t stop analyzing my environment and spying on people's information behaviour, including my own!

I was excited to share with the class my project details. One minute seemed like a fun challenge in order to convey a 20-page essay. I was thrilled to learn about other studies and see that many also selected cafe settings. I mean, it's a great atmosphere that allows people to remain in plain sight for hours at a time, as long as you can handle that much coffee.

I truly can´t believe that this semester is over. From the fact that we all started off confused about what were meant to do, and personally never undergoing an unobtrusive observational project, to completing one with over 15 hours under my belt, I certainly feel accomplished and ready to take on all the information the world has to throw at me.

What a wonderful class to partake in. And funny how I fly across the world to once again have a Canadian professor, no complaints <3 I had such a wonderful time learning in this class, and I will continue to use this knowledge in my daily life, as I don't have a choice now, it's engrained!

Self Evaluation pt.1

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:29:48 UTC

Self evaluations pt.2

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:30:08 UTC

Self Evaluation- Analysis

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:30:32 UTC

Observing....

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:33:35 UTC

I started my observations this week. I had to figure out how best to keep my notes while also working. I ensured to take mental notes while also writing on the back of old receipts, which I transferred to my laptop's notes during my break.

it felt weird to watch people while also serving them; sometimes, I felt disconnected because I was trying to focus on actions or words instead of fulfilling those desires and help. I realize that I need to find a new method for observing that doesn't take me out of reality.

New observing tactics

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:36:05 UTC

I developed a new working method. I now analyze while on my break or when the cafe and super slow. This way, I am able to focus on note-taking and observing as opposed to trying to complete an order at the same time. This seems to work better but will take longer than anticipated since slow points may not bring many customers to observe, and my breaks are only 30 minutes. Luckily I work full-time, so I can still accumulate my findings in a reasonable time.

Completed my observations

allenaarnold — 2022-04-24 23:39:05 UTC

I have plenty of findings and now it is time to begin writing. I started with building the outline of the essay and then cumulating more literature to help support and explain my findings. I really wanted to explore new frameworks within these texts, so I selected interchange and horizon theories from the beginning of my observations. All went well, and I am excited about my report. I truly am trying to implement these recommendations in our cafe right now! Let's see what happens...