Reflections
Amy- Reflection 2
01. Without having experienced a social media withdrawal, how can you imagine it would it affect your daily routine?
I have never purposefully experienced a social media withdrawl but sometimes it happens on accident. For example, when I have a very busy week I hardly ever check my social media (ie. Facebook). Not too long ago I even received an email from Facebook that said I hadn’t been on my account for a long time and that I have been missing what was going on with all of my friends. I am not a huge fan of social media so not having social media woudn’t really disrupt by day as much as not allow me a distraction from homework.
2. Once you have answered 1 above, complete a self-imposed “unplugging” from one or more social networks that you typically use. Fully dis-engage from your iPhone, Facebook, Twitter or other social tool. How long were you able to stay unplugged? What was easiest/hardest about disengaging? What did you learn in the process?
I tried to purposefully “unplug” but found it difficult. During the day is easy because I am so busy between classes, work, research and other activities. Night though is much harder because I need a break by the time I finally get back home and social media is a great way to take a mental break. I am able to go on Facebook and just see what the world is up to. The main reason I go on Facebook though is to prolong doing my homework. I honestly could deactivate my Facebook and be fine, it’s my email that I couldn’t live without. I learned that students use social media as an outlet from school work and a way to find out what’s happening with everyone. People may say that social media is causing less social interactions, which I strongly agree it is, but in other ways it promotes social interaction. For example by being on Facebook my roommates and myself were able to have a discussion about different things that we had seen on Facebook. People will say “did you see (insert cool fact) on Facebook?” Which then creates a conversation between people.
3. What alternatives to completely unplugging might be good suggestions for your peers as they learn to balance social engagement in online and real-world environments?
Stay busy and get involved! If you are busy you won’t feel compelled to constantly be checking your Facebook for updates. That being said I also would suggest not having Facebook updates be sent to your phone so that you don’t have an excuse to constantly be connected to Facebook. Students are always on their phones checking Facebook, email, or texting everywhere they go. Even just as simple as putting your phone in a bag instead of having it in your pocket will prevent the habit of constantly being on your phone. I think that social media is a good thing when used in moderation. I read a yahoo article a while ago that said that students are having a harder time interviewing because they are lacking proper social skills due to the increase in online social media and decrease in personal interaction.
Reflection 2 – 9/30/11
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- 1. Without having experienced a social media withdrawal, how can you imagine it would it affect your daily routine?
I actually have personally experienced s social media withdrawal due to traveling every year and during my studying abroad last year also. I traveled with a group of 14 students. I recalled when we were in Nicaragua for approximately 5 weeks; we had absolutely no connection to the internet. And it felt like a real withdrawal because it’s not like you could step off campus and there’s the rest of the social media world again. There was no smartphones that’ll work through 3G either (most of the group don’t even have a phone because we travel throughout so many country).
Life was definitely different. I felt like I had more person to person time and not so much online or on the computer or my cell phone. It forced us to be closer together because we would actually spend our time on personal interaction rather than, for example, when we were in Panama we had an internet connection and you can see that everyone’s off doing their own thing on their computer (mostly social media) during our free times.
Another time of the year that I would have a social media withdrawal is during Christmas when I would go visit my parents in Thailand. It’s not a complete withdrawal but the internet connection is usually so slow that I’m not patient enough for it and I wouldn’t be able to use my Iphone either. I would usually feel like I’m cut off from the rest of the world for that December month. Although I feel like I’m cut off, it was probably the best thing that could happened because it forces me to actually spend my undivided attention with my families.
Overall I would definitely say that social media plays a huge role with my daily routine and even life-style. Life here is at a speed far faster than the rest of the world. And I feel like that lifestyle has its consequences. I still couldn’t honestly say that one is better than the other but you can see the positives and negatives for both life-styles. I think that we shouldn’t take what we have for granted but then also try to find where the happy medium of those two worlds meet. I know that it’s an easy thing to say but the line is very thin.
- 2. Once you have answered 1 above, complete a self-imposed “unplugging” from one or more social networks that you typically use. Fully dis-engage from your iPhone, Facebook, Twitter or other social tool. How long were you able to stay unplugged? What was easiest/hardest about disengaging? What did you learn in the process?
Approximately 7 hours at the max when I sleep. I’m technically married to my Iphone. The easiest and hardest thing about dis-engaging in social media I think is it forces me to spend my time some other way. The article mentioned “Thirteen percent of student respondents said they rely on Facebook to combat boredom between classes,” and it’s so true. In previous question I’ve stated some of the reflections but I’ve definitely learned that
- 3. What alternatives to completely unplugging might be good suggestions for your peers as they learn to balance social engagement in online and real-world environments?
I think we should try and make a conscious effort to arrange more time to spend in the real world with the people around you. I’ve read another article about how social media and texting will change the way our generation communicates. There’s study that shows how social networking is hurting the communication skills of college students. (http://www.thedaonline.com/opinion/social-networking-hurts-the-communication-skills-of-college-students-1.1689315) It’s ironic how what’s created for the purpose of connecting and linking people together is pulling people apart in reality. I remembered someone once said to me “the more friends you have on Facebook the less friends you have in real life,” and the irony is there. Coincidentally I was watching the movie the Social Network last night and it was funny to see how a person who created the most popular social media website is a guy who has problems with his social skills in real life. As I mentioned in the first question, we just have to find that thin line balance and do the best you can.
Marcus’s Retreat Reflection
0This year to make my Information Commons experience a success one I plan on keeping an open mind toward new and more advanced technologies. I plan on building positive relationships with co-workers as well as faculty and staff. I want to be able to help people in a manner such that they walk away saying that I was positive, effective and enlightening. If I can do that, this year will be a successful one.
I feel as though my personal goals of success will make Info Commons better as a whole. If I employ these goals then I think that it will make the Information Commons better as a whole.
The session on Thursday was one that represented the Information Commons in as best of a light as possible. The fact that a job will show concern about an employee’s life and welfare speaks greatly about that entity. The fact that one of the upper levels of administration presented that session really proves to me that the all around welfare of student workers in the Information Commons is a genuine concern.
Kate Shambrook reflection #1
0For this year, my goal is to become even more familiar with all of the new technology in the Center for Academic Technology. Since I have mostly worked in the library for the past two years, I would love to re-adjust back to the ways of the CAT. I work an hour a week this semester in the CAT and have already been informed that most of that time will be spent learning and talking about the new and exciting programs this year. That being said, I would also love to continue to better my research and database knowledge in the library so that I am able to answer most database questions off the top of my head. I feel that this would not only benefit Information Commons, but it would also help myself in future research needs.
My goal to help make Information Commons better as a whole would be to get our name out around campus and increase the public relations effort. Being a PR major, I feel that Information Commons has come a long way since it began around the time I was a freshman. However, it continues to stun me that some students (mostly older students) still have not heard of what we do and what we can offer. My goal for the year would be that I would like to personally tell as many people about what we do as I can. For instance, I have informed most of my teachers and fellow classmates that if they ever need research assistance or help in the library to head to the Information Commons table and someone there can assist them.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the life values and experience session during the retreat.
Erica Gilliland: Reflection #1
0My goal this year at Information Commons is to create a more efficient team organization. Last semester was my first time working with IC assistants in a team setting, and I ran into a lot of bumps along the way. I’m a visual person, so I like to have written out instructions and I communicate best through emails and words in general. So that was the main way I organized my team. We usually didn’t work together, so I sent out emails and communicated with them mainly through the blog. What I found out was that not everyone stayed organized and up-to-date this way. Often, I wasn’t sure where my team members were on a project because they didn’t leave detailed updates. And sometimes I didn’t hear from them at all. So this year, I want to create a solid communication system that consists of weekly email updates, tasks on the blog, but most of all, face-to-face interactions. Also, I want to utilize the strengths of individual team members more. Last semester I tended to give just anyone a project without considering their strengths or weaknesses. Now I want to develop specific projects targeted to individual team members strengths.
I think I can contribute to the growth of Information Commons as a whole by concentrating on my strengths and abilities. I enjoy going into the classroom and teaching, so volunteering my time to do as many training sessions as I can will help us expand our outreach as well as provide me with a professional development opportunity. My ability to develop a system of organization could be useful when planning campus wide events or even just in organizing the team structures. I’m a details person, so when it comes to planning or structure, I think I could be a great resource for figuring out the smaller but important details that make things work. All together, I think the best way I can better Information Commons is by taking my job here seriously. Unlike many jobs that college students have, Information Commons isn’t just a way to earn extra cash. I want to take advantage of the professional development opportunities I have and appreciate all the resources that Information Commons gives to me. In return, I will be offering my best work to the program and promoting it’s growth.
Before we had the whole life values session, I was kind of confused about why it was included in our retreat. But after Julianne talked about everything, I was so thankful that she had the vision to talk to us about it. Managing my priorities (I don’t believe you can manage time…but priorities you can), has been something I’ve struggled with since I’ve come to college. Having the freedom to do what I want when I want was a blessing and a curse. I have made closer friends in college than I did in High School and I’ve been able to get involved with some really amazing things. But at times, it’s hard for me to have self-discipline and finish what needs to get done. At times I feel really bad about my lack of organization in my personal life, yet doing the activity with the wheel made me realize that slowly I’m learning to keep things more in balance. Yes, I’m still working on the uneven places on my wheel, but overall, it made me realize that I’ve started to create a balance in my life.
Rocky’s First Reflection
01) What goal do you have for this year to make your Info Commons experience a success?
My ultimate goal is to familiarize myself with any technology that I have not yet acquire knowledge about. Then, interpersonal relationships between people would be my nearest objective; it is due to my late arrival that I have not had the opportunity to meet with everyone, and in the least to introduce myself to them. After that, the last goal will be to enjoy the job with good working ethics and attitudes.
2) What goal do you have for this year to make Info Commons better as a whole?
Info Commons is an outstanding group of people that provide extensive help to all Butler students on campus. Unfortunately, not many of them really know about our presence. Talking with students I know, they all seem to mix Info Commons up with IT Help Desk. Therefore, my goal of this year will be to spread the words out to more students about this awesome program, which can help them with technology-relating questions in their courses of studying.
3) What is your feedback on the whole life values and experiences session we had on Thursday?
I wasn’t able to make it to the retreat; thus, please pardon me for my lack of knowledge on this question.
Rocky
Meen B’s- Reflection 1 (9/01/11)
0Dear Eric & Julianne
1) What goal do you have for this year to make your Info Commons experience a success?
Since I have just started learning about the videos and a couple different programs here in the CAT and a little bit in the library, I’m super excited!! to maybe have an opportunity to work on some IC promotional video projects!!! I’ve watch some of our videos and talked to Melissa about it and I can’t wait!! I’m really enjoying the work here in IC. There’s something new to be learned every day. This is probably one of the most exciting jobs I’ve ever had and I definitely want to make my last couple of years here at Butler a great experience with the IC team!!
2) What goal do you have for this year to make Info Commons better as a whole?
I think that due to our different busy schedules and shifts, it’s almost as if you are working by yourself most of the time. I think it’d be a great idea if we could connect as a team. Maybe have a weekend project we all come together or something along that line. Although I understand that’s probably pretty tough to do but I’m still optimistic about the idea!:)
3) What is your feedback on the whole life values and experiences session we had on Thursday?
I’m really sad I missed that training session. It sounded like you guys had a great time. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to have a chance to catch up next semester or year. Lastly, thank you again for this opportunity! I can’t wait to become a more knowledgeable helper with InfoCommons!!
Sincerely,
Meen Boriboune
Retreat Reflection
0My retreat reflection is posted under my blog: http://blogs.butler.edu/lynndynasty/
Lynn
Katie’s Reflections (sans retreat)
11. My goal for this year to make my Info commons experience a success is to listen to others more carefully. I believe that collaboration is the best and most effective way to get work done. Therefore, I plan on listening to those who have been with IC longer than I (especially this last year) and I hope to learn more about the ‘updated’ program through them.
2. My goal this year to make info commons better as a whole is to help others with the techniques that I excel at in order for them to become better to help students and faculty. I also hope to get to know everyone better…it is difficult to come back after being gone for a year and expecting to jump right back into things, so that being said, I look forward to working with you all and getting to know you better! Thank you.
Shelby’s Retreat Reflection
0My goals for this year to make my info commons experience a success include, getting to know everybody better and to continue to build upon the relationships established during the retreat. I also want to be proficient in the topics we covered during the retreat and be able to apply what I learned during the retreat to other things.
My goals for this year to make info commons better as a whole would be to come up with projects to get our name better known throughout campus so that reach a greater amount of people. We could also use more social media to get our become better known and facilitate discussion amongst different groups on campus. I think it would also be important to get the word out about the libguides and tutorials we offer so student are aware of those resources. Lastly I think we could try to reach more faculty and make them more aware of the services we offer to make teaching class and keeping tract of student discussion easier.
Reflecting back on our whole life values and experiences discussion on Monday made me realize I need better time management and helped me pinpoint my values. By doing this I learned to spend more time on what values means the most to me and focus on that instead of trying to spread myself too thin.