Blog 7

How does the fact that everyone is taking notes shape the experience?

Point 1: Note takers notes and observations are focused on the fact that other people are taking notes rather than what the conversations/body language/ environment is about:
          Example: Number 4 in his/her observations said “I think this activity worked very well because we were able to see what its like to take fieldnotes as well as being able to get to know our classmates a little better.”
          Reasoning: This shows that this person focused on taking the field notes instead of making it a genuine interaction with people and taking field notes.  This person observed and reflected on the process of taking field note opposed to taking notes on getting to know people in the classroom.  If the observation’s part of the field note revealed

          Example: Number 7 in his/her observations said “Others took it just as the part to get there notes written.”  
          Reasoning: This shows that some people clearly were just there to take the notes and not to get to know our fellow classmates.  This proves that the fact that everyone is taking notes shapes the experience.  If some people knew they were taking notes others might have altered their conversation just based on the fact that they know someone is taking notes on it.  Some people may not be invested in getting to know others as much if they are more focused on taking notes on everything else.

Point 2: The fact that everyone was taking notes took away from the focus of this ethnographic study. Due to there being no focus besides taking notes people didn’t really know what to talk or write about, creating an awkward environment for some individuals.
          Example:  This observer stated in things they remembered: “In the beginning it seemed like no one wanted to approach each other, either because they were feeling uncomfortable or they didn't know what to say. Either way, it was a bit awkward.”
          Reasoning: This example shows that due to there being no focus besides taking notes the study seemed very awkward and people didn’t know what to say. For many there was an uncomfortable feeling, most likely affecting the note taking process during the study. Maybe if there had been a specific focus besides specifically note taking, people may have felt more relaxed and comfortable.

Point 3: Note takers seem to be focused on taking notes on people’s reactions (nervous, talkative) rather than taking notes on what the person was actually saying.
          Example: Number 10 in his/her observations said, “Although the conversations were casual, there were some who were nervous, myself included (as I always am).  Some classmates were more open about themselves than others, eager to talk about who they are and share their interests with others.  Other classmates (myself included) were unsure of what to talk about, as it's not easy to force a conversation for them.”
          Reasoning: This shows that they were focused on seeing other people’s reactions, as well as well as their own, and wrote those reactions down for their notes instead of writing down what people were saying about themselves. It shows that they were focused on the observation part of their field notes.