1. What was your first question?
In my General Studies class, my professor required all of the students to create an eProfile on Blackboard. One of the criteria being graded is a completed resume along with a few references. Unfortunately, I didn't know who would go onto that page. A question came into my head: "Who should go on my reference page?"
2. List all the intermediate questions that you formed between the first question and your final question.
a. Can anyone go on my page?
b. Is there a certain number of people that should go on it?
c. Are friends allowed?
d. Should it go at the end of the resume, or be attached to it?
3. What approaches and ideas did you implement in each of these stages?
a. My General Studies teacher recommended that I put the people "who have weight" academically and authority. Although I did not have to use an online search engine, I thought that this information was quite informative.
b. In Google, I searched "resume references" and came across this website named "Career Owl" (http://www.careerowlresources.ca/Resumes/Res_Frame.htm?res_references.htm~right). They were quite clear in what should go in a resume and what should not. Upon evaluating "Career Owl," I found that it was a legitimate, relevant, and valid website, based in Canada and similar to Monster.com.
c. After reading through the "Resume References" at Career Owl, putting friends as references would not be a good idea. The references should be superiors and professors, people that have authority.
d. As I browsed through, I discovered that it would be much more orderly to attach it as a another piece of paper rather than trying to fit everything on one page. However, after closing this question, I wondered to myself, "what if things are different in Canada?" Curiously, I brought Google back up and typed up the previous keywords. After clicking and browsing, I found that the format given by Career Owl is universal, despite the fact that it is coming from a site outside the United States.
4. How would you evaluate your final question? Is it more complex? Do you think you could continue further with the process and come up with something even more complex?
I think that it is clear that a references page is vital to any resume seeking attention. Through research, I found that it is good to keep a short list, no more than 5 people, balanced between academic and nonacademic references. My final question (d.) is no more complex than my original question. Surely, I can continue asking questions upon questions, stacking them on top of each other, building some insurmountable structure with them. But, I won't do that. I've found what I needed.
5. What other questions might help you to continue your exploration?
On the topic of resumes, I think that a lot of deliberation must go into what goes into which category. What is defined as "work experience?" Does it require that I get paid? Can it be volunteer work? What is defined as volunteer work? Are not all occupations "volunteer work" in some way? Can I print all of this on colored paper? Should I go to Kinko's to print it rather than at home?
Things like this shouldn't go unanswered.
That's why there's Google and Yahoo.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Research Entry 3.1: Exploring Topic Development (1/26)
1. What was discussed in class today?
Today, we further examined ways to evaluate a source. We learned how to take a broad question and manipulate it into a manageable topic. When looking at sources, areas of consideration include biases, discerning objective news from subjective news, and opinions. In our activity, we discovered that different news sites put certain events "above the fold" and prioritize their stories differently from each other.
2. What points were particularly important to you and why?
When it comes to evaluating any type of source, the validity, credibility, and accuracy of any source should be first examined. Another thing that interested me was the differing political views between the news sites that we looked at. To be honest, the notion never really struck me before and now has changed my ways on evaluating a source.
3. What change will you make in your approach to research?
I will definitely want to look deeper into the hidden agendas that popular new sites have. It is something that I don't want to overlook anymore.
4. What other ideas and thought do you have about researching the authority of a source, whether it's news, a website, or some other information source?
As I stated in my answer to the previous attention, the hidden agendas of certain sites are not to be overlooked. Very easily can anyone be swayed by the slightest nudge in one direction.
5. What other ideas and thoughts do you have about topic development?
I thought that today's class was very informative. Today's topic was surprisingly eye-opening. And, to top it all off, we were let out early. I think that it is safe to conclude that today was a good day.
Today, we further examined ways to evaluate a source. We learned how to take a broad question and manipulate it into a manageable topic. When looking at sources, areas of consideration include biases, discerning objective news from subjective news, and opinions. In our activity, we discovered that different news sites put certain events "above the fold" and prioritize their stories differently from each other.
2. What points were particularly important to you and why?
When it comes to evaluating any type of source, the validity, credibility, and accuracy of any source should be first examined. Another thing that interested me was the differing political views between the news sites that we looked at. To be honest, the notion never really struck me before and now has changed my ways on evaluating a source.
3. What change will you make in your approach to research?
I will definitely want to look deeper into the hidden agendas that popular new sites have. It is something that I don't want to overlook anymore.
4. What other ideas and thought do you have about researching the authority of a source, whether it's news, a website, or some other information source?
As I stated in my answer to the previous attention, the hidden agendas of certain sites are not to be overlooked. Very easily can anyone be swayed by the slightest nudge in one direction.
5. What other ideas and thoughts do you have about topic development?
I thought that today's class was very informative. Today's topic was surprisingly eye-opening. And, to top it all off, we were let out early. I think that it is safe to conclude that today was a good day.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Research Log Entry II: Questions
1. What question did you try to answer?
On Sunday afternoon, we were driving towards home from Church. While driving on the freeway, I sat in a pleasant state, taking in the sunshine, listening to the Chargers and Patriots game on the radio. Then, my dad presented to me a watch. It was big, but slick. The black dial was covered in a shiny glass, which shone of luxury, and a titanium silver that gleamed in the sun. My dad said that it retailed for $250 and that it was solar-powered. With that said, I was sold. When we arrived home, I examined the watch piece, and the questions popped into my head:
“What are the specifications of this ‘Citizen Eco-Drive WR 200’ watch?”
2. What web search engine or engines did you use?
As I approached my computer, I logged on and used my favorite search engine, Google. At the same time, I was able to check my email. It feels great to multitask.
3. What search terms did you use to ask your question?
As I began to type, I knew that inputting a simple question could elicit impertinent results. In turn, I put in only key words, “citizen eco-drive wr 200 watch specifications”
4. What was your evaluation of your results?
For my query, there were 29,000 results. Most of the sites listed were places that were selling the watch. Many of them contained similar specifications, such as solar-power, perpetual calendar, and diving capabilities. However, those results were sparse, as there weren’t many. There were a lot of people selling them, though, in the $400-$600 range.
5. What other search strategies could you try?
Using a different engine wouldn’t hurt. Google—as well as other people—assert that they are the best and most reliable search engine and return some of the more relevant results. In the past, they have; but, for this particular search, it was hard to find specifications for my watch.
6. What other questions came into your mind to continue your exploration?
As I sat, dissatisfied with my results, I began to think of how I could improve my query. I wondered, “if I add quotes around the watch model, what would happen?” I did so and it brought up very similar results of the previous search. Disappointed again, I wondered, “what if I go to Yahoo?” After doing so, I was surprised to see that I not only got more results, but more relevant sites for my specific kind of watch. Google is in trouble now.
On Sunday afternoon, we were driving towards home from Church. While driving on the freeway, I sat in a pleasant state, taking in the sunshine, listening to the Chargers and Patriots game on the radio. Then, my dad presented to me a watch. It was big, but slick. The black dial was covered in a shiny glass, which shone of luxury, and a titanium silver that gleamed in the sun. My dad said that it retailed for $250 and that it was solar-powered. With that said, I was sold. When we arrived home, I examined the watch piece, and the questions popped into my head:
“What are the specifications of this ‘Citizen Eco-Drive WR 200’ watch?”
2. What web search engine or engines did you use?
As I approached my computer, I logged on and used my favorite search engine, Google. At the same time, I was able to check my email. It feels great to multitask.
3. What search terms did you use to ask your question?
As I began to type, I knew that inputting a simple question could elicit impertinent results. In turn, I put in only key words, “citizen eco-drive wr 200 watch specifications”
4. What was your evaluation of your results?
For my query, there were 29,000 results. Most of the sites listed were places that were selling the watch. Many of them contained similar specifications, such as solar-power, perpetual calendar, and diving capabilities. However, those results were sparse, as there weren’t many. There were a lot of people selling them, though, in the $400-$600 range.
5. What other search strategies could you try?
Using a different engine wouldn’t hurt. Google—as well as other people—assert that they are the best and most reliable search engine and return some of the more relevant results. In the past, they have; but, for this particular search, it was hard to find specifications for my watch.
6. What other questions came into your mind to continue your exploration?
As I sat, dissatisfied with my results, I began to think of how I could improve my query. I wondered, “if I add quotes around the watch model, what would happen?” I did so and it brought up very similar results of the previous search. Disappointed again, I wondered, “what if I go to Yahoo?” After doing so, I was surprised to see that I not only got more results, but more relevant sites for my specific kind of watch. Google is in trouble now.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Research Log Entry I: Our First Library Class
When I walked into our first physical class of Library, I honestly thought that I knew everything I needed to know in order to get by in the real world. While sitting attentively, I found that there were somethings that I knew and other things that I didn't.
A big thing that that I know how to do--and am happy to declare--is "google" information. When exploring the Web, I picked up the the commands and words to put in over time. Since about my freshman year in high school, I think that I have specified search criteria quite well and have become adept at it. It's gotten me far. From writing research papers to AP (advanced placement) papers, knowing what to looking for and learning it has always come in handy. Examining the validity, quality, and credibility of web pages are vital and crucial to desirable outcomes. Now, I'm in college, a student at one of America's Best Western Colleges, California State University of the East Bay. What else can I say?
However, there are things that surprised me as well. One small thing that I did not pick up before was the whole breakdown of what goes into the address bar. I never thought that it would be this in depth. But, dwelling upon the subject more, the many parts of the URL do have purpose. And, because of that, it makes sense to me. To be honest, all I knew was that "www" meant "World Wide Web." Yep, that's about it.
I think that after sitting through the small amount of time in the class on Friday, I can more effectively search for sources for all projects. Professor Aline, I commend you on your thoroughness. The handouts are pretty nifty as well. Moving along, this information has reinforced what I already know. Things that I must look for are--as I have discussed before--the validity, quality, and credibility. I need to think about: Is this source relevant to my topic? Is this a legitimate source by a legitimate author? Will this be a good source of information? Are there any ulterior motives to this or is this for real?
What I thought was a good idea was that website, www.digg.com. As I thought about it, it seemed like a very good idea. Having people rate the relevance, accuracy, and quality of websites, rather than having someone precariously and arbitrarily choose a source for himself, reflects the idea that in order to come to a conclusion, there needs to be a general consensus and agreement on the subject being tested.
After walking out of our first physical class of Library, I felt comforted in learning the new things taught. Now, I know what to really do when considering web sources.
"...and knowing is half the battle!"
A big thing that that I know how to do--and am happy to declare--is "google" information. When exploring the Web, I picked up the the commands and words to put in over time. Since about my freshman year in high school, I think that I have specified search criteria quite well and have become adept at it. It's gotten me far. From writing research papers to AP (advanced placement) papers, knowing what to looking for and learning it has always come in handy. Examining the validity, quality, and credibility of web pages are vital and crucial to desirable outcomes. Now, I'm in college, a student at one of America's Best Western Colleges, California State University of the East Bay. What else can I say?
However, there are things that surprised me as well. One small thing that I did not pick up before was the whole breakdown of what goes into the address bar. I never thought that it would be this in depth. But, dwelling upon the subject more, the many parts of the URL do have purpose. And, because of that, it makes sense to me. To be honest, all I knew was that "www" meant "World Wide Web." Yep, that's about it.
I think that after sitting through the small amount of time in the class on Friday, I can more effectively search for sources for all projects. Professor Aline, I commend you on your thoroughness. The handouts are pretty nifty as well. Moving along, this information has reinforced what I already know. Things that I must look for are--as I have discussed before--the validity, quality, and credibility. I need to think about: Is this source relevant to my topic? Is this a legitimate source by a legitimate author? Will this be a good source of information? Are there any ulterior motives to this or is this for real?
What I thought was a good idea was that website, www.digg.com. As I thought about it, it seemed like a very good idea. Having people rate the relevance, accuracy, and quality of websites, rather than having someone precariously and arbitrarily choose a source for himself, reflects the idea that in order to come to a conclusion, there needs to be a general consensus and agreement on the subject being tested.
After walking out of our first physical class of Library, I felt comforted in learning the new things taught. Now, I know what to really do when considering web sources.
"...and knowing is half the battle!"
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