This was a really good video! I loved the music, so good choice on that who ever thought of it. I didn't know that even in Madison's public library there was a problem of access to computers. The statistics you used were really interesting.
My contribution to this project consisted of acting, asking questions to the librarians at the 2 libraries that we researched, contributing ideas on the overall theme of the film, and attending the group meetings.
P.S. I thoroughly enjoyed acting as the tutor at the GUTS center ;) (acting may have been slightly overdone haha)
My role in extent... My primary role was data and information gathering in effort to formulate a script that both compared and contrasted the Central Madison Public Library with College Library on campus. Our main focus was to show how "good" we students have it here with the abundance of electronics, study spaces, and unlimited use of every resource offered to us; this in contrast to the extremely limited electronics and use the 8 Madison branches have combined. In gathering data, I dissected the Madison Public Library website, the College Library website, found information on Guts Tutoring, and gathered circulation information from the "National Center for Education Statistics" website. Therefore, in my role, I was first to really unlock the differences between the libraries, apart from us all immediately acknowledging the 15 computers at MPL compared to the 200 computers at College Library. I learned both first hand and from information how the digital divide we have talked endlessly about in class plays out in Madison. I was expecting the MPL to be huge, and abundant with resources, but was, in essence, not impressed when we ventured to the MPL. The eight MPL branches serving a community of 250,000 doesn't do justice to the UW's 40 libraries on campus serving 40,000 students. Seeing the divide in person made the material we are learning in class real. ...this all in attending every group meeting making sure every difference or similarity between the libraries had not gone unlooked. I think our group was well able to collaborate to make an impressive movie comparing side by side the libraries apart from gathering information via viewpoints from people in the community.
Sorry I was a little late on this (at least compared to the rest of my group) but here is what I did for the project. To begin, I attempted to get everyone thinking about ideas for what we were to do. I only have a minor amount of creativity when it comes to these things so I attempted to get somewhat of a forum started for our project. I organized the group and started a Facebook message stream to see what people were thinking and what we were going to do. The Wednesday that we filmed, I got the camera and helped lead the discussion about what we were going to do for our video. When we finally decided to compare MPL and College Library, I filmed us walking around the libraries and attempted to set up shots that would look good in a video (I also came to the realization that my cameraman-ship needs to be improved because there was definitely a lot of shaking). After 2 hours of walking around and filming on Wednesday, we all figured there was enough to work with and decided to edit on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday I spend a total of 5 or 6 hours in the College Media Center editing the video and getting the footage sorted out. Everyone from the group came by at points to play a role in the editing process and they were extremely helpful in providing feedback and suggestions for the film. They collected that data that we needed, and did the voice-overs for the script that Tara and I created for the film. I then selected the music that I thought would give the video the most power and send the biggest message, and continued editing until it flowed the way I wanted. I think my biggest contribution to the group was my organizing and the fact that I did want to actually send a bit of a message of what I have learned from the class. It also helped that I know how to use iMovie, and was able to edit the movie and make it flow well. This project really did help me to see the digital divide outside of the classroom because as the movie shows, there really aren't that many computers at MPL and I was amazed with how visible the digital divide actually is. More than anything, the making of this movie drove home the point that there is an issue with internet access for the economically disadvantaged and I really hope that by watching this movie, people can understand that and potentially take action. As far as enriching my classroom experience, I will just reiterate that the issue that we have been discussing, that the digital divide and social inclusion are real-world issues and though I started out not very excited or motivated about the project, I am happy that we did it, and I am grateful that I had a group who were as helpful as they were to make this movie, and give LIS 202 more of a meaning for me.
I first want to point out that without Zak's abundant knowledge of imovie this project wouldn't have been possible!
When we started to talk about the video the first idea I suggested to the group was to look at a few libraries on campus and compare the differences in technology. The idea was to tie in the technology and the future careers from the specific school/library. After thinking about that idea for a week, the group decided to just look at two libraries. The libraries we chose were College and the Madison Public Library (MPL). We all showed up to video tape within the week. Our initial idea was to walk around the two libraries and look at the amenities in each. This is why we showed the GUTS tutoring and Open Book Cafe. When Zak was getting new batteries from the library we decided to put mini skits together, like studying in the quiet room and pretending to be tutored. Then we headed towards the MPL. I was the one to notice the Espanol section of the library. As soon as we entered the library we knew our video would be about the computers, or lack there of. I asked one of the library staff what she thought of the library's computers. She completely agreed that the library didn't have enough computers. The library had half hour and 2 hours limits. The 30 minute sessions keep people moving. The computers are very busy afternoons and Sundays, though the library is only open until 3ish on Sunday. We were able to get other specific usage statistics as well at the MPL that day.
The next Sunday I did half of the voice overs for the video. It was a bit awkward to hear your own voice. I had to resist the urge to re-record everytime when a stuttered a bit. I also helped to write one of the last voice overs. I learned a lot from doing this video. From the readings I was under the impression that our libraries (meaning the UW madison libraries) had no access issues. I forgot that it's not about the people who have great access, but those we have little. When you are surrounded by the amazing College Library you forget there are other libraries out there. The MPL is right in the heart of madison, not more than a 20 minute walk up state street. While University has much funding, the MPL is lacking. I thought it was most ironic that as students we aren't yet looking for jobs. Yet, we have all of the resources for finding them and for obtaining the needed skills. The citizens of madison have less resources, but are in need of resources the most.
I think the project was a wonderful idea and I hope future classes are required to do the same.
When we first met to discuss the project, we all started throwing ideas off one another. Originally we wanted to compare different university libraries, but then we realized we wouldn't find too many differences between them, so we decided on college library and the madison public library.
The next time we met we set out right away to film our tour of the two libraries. I didn't really know what to expect from the experience. The first thing we did was walk through college library. I played a student in the scene about GUTS tutoring. I also thought of the idea to visit the quite room, so we could show that college library has many different things to offer, from places to meet with groups and socialize to quite study areas. Then we moved onto the Madison public library. The minute we walked in the library there were very clear differences. The libraries are tailored to two very different audiences, college library's services are tailored toward college students and the public library is more tailored to adults and young children. During the filming I contributed by walking through the libraries and helping to guide the tour along with the rest of the group. I also talked with the librarian at the Madison public library to gather information for the statistics portion of our video.
After filming I contributed by commenting on our message board we had going via facebook. I thew out ideas for script and music. Then we met to put the video together. I did half of the voice over. I also came up with the idea for me and Jackie to speak the title in unison... Which grabs your attention right off the bat =) The last day we met, we all watched the video and I contributed by pointing out little grammatical errors and things that needed adjusting. Then we did one final watch through to make sure everything was good to go, and Zac uploaded it to the blog. In making this video, it really brought to life everything we've been learning in this class. I've been hearing all semester about the digital divide among different communities. But witnessing it first hand made it so much more clear. The madison public library was full of adults there on their breaks from work to use the internet because they do not have computers at home. We, as college students, sometimes take for granted how easily we can access technology. We basically have unlimited resources when it comes to computers, internet and even equipment to produce this video was right at our finger tips.
Elaborating on my role in the group video project...
Our first meeting in class was somewhat haphazard and brief, however, our group began to discuss different ways that we could assess/show the digital divide in our community here in Madison. Although it was 8:30 in the morning, we came up with a few ideas that eventually formed into this film. First, we thought it would be beneficial to show the different libraries and their amenities for the different schools here at UW. We compared the Grainger Hall amenities with the less attractive and much older Vilas Hall, etc. However, as we began facebook messaging and met again, we decided that it may be too difficult to show the differences in these UW schools, for they are all funded through the same source (the university). Our next brilliant idea seemed to be a common on amongst the groups, which was to interview different people on State Street about their access and digital abilities (including the homeless). However, we heard another group discussing this during one of our meetings and wanted to be more original. Finally, we decided to focus on the differences between College Library (funded by UW) and Madison Public Library (funded by the city of Madison).
To be honest, I didn't think we would find much difference between the two libraries. I guess I kind of overlooked the fact that the Madison Public Library was funded mainly through taxes, whereas College Library is funded through UW students' tuition dollars and donations. Our filming/research regarding College Library really didn't surprise me because I have grown so accustomed to the amenities that UW libraries supply us, as students, with. However, after our long trek to MPL and after seeing what it had to offer, I began to feel much more fortunate. The time restrictions (only 30 minutes on a computer per person) and the limited amount of computer stations struck me and really brought the digital divide from class to life. Having the opportunity to actually witness this first hand solidified the reality of the digital divide in my mind. Sure, as Professor Whitmire spoke, I took into account all of the inequities, but I never really got to experience the lack of resources or access. I loved that we got to go out into the community and find the phenomenon that we've been discussing for so many weeks. It really made me realize how lucky I am to be a college student with so many resources at my fingertips.
Aside from absorbing all of the inequality and evidence of the digital divide around me, I assisted my group with this video project. On our first and second meetings, I contributed to the group by providing ideas and feedback to other people's ideas on our video topic. Also, as we were filming, I contributed ideas on how the video should be portrayed and shot. I felt that by making the music and overall film relatively serious, we could capture the audience and make a really influential film. I also recommended ideas such as voice overs and incorporating facts about each library into the film. As the audience can see, I contributed also by doing some acting with my group members. (Of which my favorite part was the GUTS tutoring part). Also, as we were traveling throughout the two libraries, I communicated with the librarians, which involved requesting information and asking about circulation. Between visits, I also contributed by communicating with my group members concerning our next meeting time and other ideas involving the project through Facebook messaging. Finally, when our group got together to review Zak's editing and composition, I helped spot errors (grammatical/production) and reviewed the film as a whole. (However, I definitely was very impressed with Zak's IMovie capabilities).
Overall, throughout the semester, I learned how prevalent the digital divide really is even in a college town like Madison. We put the blinders on to other people's situations when it comes to technology and access. However, the issues still remain. This project helped me solidify this point by showing me a concrete example of the digital divide. It was shocking how everything we've learned through lecture, readings, and section contributed and fit so well with what our group discovered during this video project.
AND BY JACKIE (forgot her name in the credits)
ReplyDeleteI contributed to this project by doing the voice-overs, acting, attending our group meetings and contributing ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI contibuted by going to the libraries,filming and asking the library staff where to find information. I also did half the voice-overs for the video.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really good video! I loved the music, so good choice on that who ever thought of it. I didn't know that even in Madison's public library there was a problem of access to computers. The statistics you used were really interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy contribution to this project consisted of acting, asking questions to the librarians at the 2 libraries that we researched, contributing ideas on the overall theme of the film, and attending the group meetings.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I thoroughly enjoyed acting as the tutor at the GUTS center ;) (acting may have been slightly overdone haha)
Hey Zak! We all know you contributed alot to this project, but don't forget to write what you did so that you get credit from Nate! :)
ReplyDeletei contributed by acting, going to the libraries and mind support. haha Peace
ReplyDeleteMy role in extent...
ReplyDeleteMy primary role was data and information gathering in effort to formulate a script that both compared and contrasted the Central Madison Public Library with College Library on campus. Our main focus was to show how "good" we students have it here with the abundance of electronics, study spaces, and unlimited use of every resource offered to us; this in contrast to the extremely limited electronics and use the 8 Madison branches have combined. In gathering data, I dissected the Madison Public Library website, the College Library website, found information on Guts Tutoring, and gathered circulation information from the "National Center for Education Statistics" website. Therefore, in my role, I was first to really unlock the differences between the libraries, apart from us all immediately acknowledging the 15 computers at MPL compared to the 200 computers at College Library. I learned both first hand and from information how the digital divide we have talked endlessly about in class plays out in Madison. I was expecting the MPL to be huge, and abundant with resources, but was, in essence, not impressed when we ventured to the MPL. The eight MPL branches serving a community of 250,000 doesn't do justice to the UW's 40 libraries on campus serving 40,000 students. Seeing the divide in person made the material we are learning in class real.
...this all in attending every group meeting making sure every difference or similarity between the libraries had not gone unlooked. I think our group was well able to collaborate to make an impressive movie comparing side by side the libraries apart from gathering information via viewpoints from people in the community.
Sorry I was a little late on this (at least compared to the rest of my group) but here is what I did for the project. To begin, I attempted to get everyone thinking about ideas for what we were to do. I only have a minor amount of creativity when it comes to these things so I attempted to get somewhat of a forum started for our project. I organized the group and started a Facebook message stream to see what people were thinking and what we were going to do. The Wednesday that we filmed, I got the camera and helped lead the discussion about what we were going to do for our video. When we finally decided to compare MPL and College Library, I filmed us walking around the libraries and attempted to set up shots that would look good in a video (I also came to the realization that my cameraman-ship needs to be improved because there was definitely a lot of shaking). After 2 hours of walking around and filming on Wednesday, we all figured there was enough to work with and decided to edit on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday I spend a total of 5 or 6 hours in the College Media Center editing the video and getting the footage sorted out. Everyone from the group came by at points to play a role in the editing process and they were extremely helpful in providing feedback and suggestions for the film. They collected that data that we needed, and did the voice-overs for the script that Tara and I created for the film. I then selected the music that I thought would give the video the most power and send the biggest message, and continued editing until it flowed the way I wanted. I think my biggest contribution to the group was my organizing and the fact that I did want to actually send a bit of a message of what I have learned from the class. It also helped that I know how to use iMovie, and was able to edit the movie and make it flow well. This project really did help me to see the digital divide outside of the classroom because as the movie shows, there really aren't that many computers at MPL and I was amazed with how visible the digital divide actually is. More than anything, the making of this movie drove home the point that there is an issue with internet access for the economically disadvantaged and I really hope that by watching this movie, people can understand that and potentially take action. As far as enriching my classroom experience, I will just reiterate that the issue that we have been discussing, that the digital divide and social inclusion are real-world issues and though I started out not very excited or motivated about the project, I am happy that we did it, and I am grateful that I had a group who were as helpful as they were to make this movie, and give LIS 202 more of a meaning for me.
ReplyDeleteI first want to point out that without Zak's abundant knowledge of imovie this project wouldn't have been possible!
ReplyDeleteWhen we started to talk about the video the first idea I suggested to the group was to look at a few libraries on campus and compare the differences in technology. The idea was to tie in the technology and the future careers from the specific school/library. After thinking about that idea for a week, the group decided to just look at two libraries. The libraries we chose were College and the Madison Public Library (MPL). We all showed up to video tape within the week. Our initial idea was to walk around the two libraries and look at the amenities in each. This is why we showed the GUTS tutoring and Open Book Cafe. When Zak was getting new batteries from the library we decided to put mini skits together, like studying in the quiet room and pretending to be tutored. Then we headed towards the MPL. I was the one to notice the Espanol section of the library. As soon as we entered the library we knew our video would be about the computers, or lack there of. I asked one of the library staff what she thought of the library's computers. She completely agreed that the library didn't have enough computers. The library had half hour and 2 hours limits. The 30 minute sessions keep people moving. The computers are very busy afternoons and Sundays, though the library is only open until 3ish on Sunday. We were able to get other specific usage statistics as well at the MPL that day.
The next Sunday I did half of the voice overs for the video. It was a bit awkward to hear your own voice. I had to resist the urge to re-record everytime when a stuttered a bit. I also helped to write one of the last voice overs.
I learned a lot from doing this video. From the readings I was under the impression that our libraries (meaning the UW madison libraries) had no access issues. I forgot that it's not about the people who have great access, but those we have little. When you are surrounded by the amazing College Library you forget there are other libraries out there. The MPL is right in the heart of madison, not more than a 20 minute walk up state street. While University has much funding, the MPL is lacking. I thought it was most ironic that as students we aren't yet looking for jobs. Yet, we have all of the resources for finding them and for obtaining the needed skills. The citizens of madison have less resources, but are in need of resources the most.
I think the project was a wonderful idea and I hope future classes are required to do the same.
When we first met to discuss the project, we all started throwing ideas off one another. Originally we wanted to compare different university libraries, but then we realized we wouldn't find too many differences between them, so we decided on college library and the madison public library.
ReplyDeleteThe next time we met we set out right away to film our tour of the two libraries. I didn't really know what to expect from the experience. The first thing we did was walk through college library. I played a student in the scene about GUTS tutoring. I also thought of the idea to visit the quite room, so we could show that college library has many different things to offer, from places to meet with groups and socialize to quite study areas. Then we moved onto the Madison public library. The minute we walked in the library there were very clear differences. The libraries are tailored to two very different audiences, college library's services are tailored toward college students and the public library is more tailored to adults and young children. During the filming I contributed by walking through the libraries and helping to guide the tour along with the rest of the group. I also talked with the librarian at the Madison public library to gather information for the statistics portion of our video.
After filming I contributed by commenting on our message board we had going via facebook. I thew out ideas for script and music. Then we met to put the video together. I did half of the voice over. I also came up with the idea for me and Jackie to speak the title in unison... Which grabs your attention right off the bat =) The last day we met, we all watched the video and I contributed by pointing out little grammatical errors and things that needed adjusting. Then we did one final watch through to make sure everything was good to go, and Zac uploaded it to the blog. In making this video, it really brought to life everything we've been learning in this class. I've been hearing all semester about the digital divide among different communities. But witnessing it first hand made it so much more clear. The madison public library was full of adults there on their breaks from work to use the internet because they do not have computers at home. We, as college students, sometimes take for granted how easily we can access technology. We basically have unlimited resources when it comes to computers, internet and even equipment to produce this video was right at our finger tips.
Elaborating on my role in the group video project...
ReplyDeleteOur first meeting in class was somewhat haphazard and brief, however, our group began to discuss different ways that we could assess/show the digital divide in our community here in Madison. Although it was 8:30 in the morning, we came up with a few ideas that eventually formed into this film. First, we thought it would be beneficial to show the different libraries and their amenities for the different schools here at UW. We compared the Grainger Hall amenities with the less attractive and much older Vilas Hall, etc. However, as we began facebook messaging and met again, we decided that it may be too difficult to show the differences in these UW schools, for they are all funded through the same source (the university). Our next brilliant idea seemed to be a common on amongst the groups, which was to interview different people on State Street about their access and digital abilities (including the homeless). However, we heard another group discussing this during one of our meetings and wanted to be more original. Finally, we decided to focus on the differences between College Library (funded by UW) and Madison Public Library (funded by the city of Madison).
To be honest, I didn't think we would find much difference between the two libraries. I guess I kind of overlooked the fact that the Madison Public Library was funded mainly through taxes, whereas College Library is funded through UW students' tuition dollars and donations. Our filming/research regarding College Library really didn't surprise me because I have grown so accustomed to the amenities that UW libraries supply us, as students, with. However, after our long trek to MPL and after seeing what it had to offer, I began to feel much more fortunate. The time restrictions (only 30 minutes on a computer per person) and the limited amount of computer stations struck me and really brought the digital divide from class to life. Having the opportunity to actually witness this first hand solidified the reality of the digital divide in my mind. Sure, as Professor Whitmire spoke, I took into account all of the inequities, but I never really got to experience the lack of resources or access. I loved that we got to go out into the community and find the phenomenon that we've been discussing for so many weeks. It really made me realize how lucky I am to be a college student with so many resources at my fingertips.
Aside from absorbing all of the inequality and evidence of the digital divide around me, I assisted my group with this video project. On our first and second meetings, I contributed to the group by providing ideas and feedback to other people's ideas on our video topic. Also, as we were filming, I contributed ideas on how the video should be portrayed and shot. I felt that by making the music and overall film relatively serious, we could capture the audience and make a really influential film. I also recommended ideas such as voice overs and incorporating facts about each library into the film. As the audience can see, I contributed also by doing some acting with my group members. (Of which my favorite part was the GUTS tutoring part). Also, as we were traveling throughout the two libraries, I communicated with the librarians, which involved requesting information and asking about circulation. Between visits, I also contributed by communicating with my group members concerning our next meeting time and other ideas involving the project through Facebook messaging. Finally, when our group got together to review Zak's editing and composition, I helped spot errors (grammatical/production) and reviewed the film as a whole. (However, I definitely was very impressed with Zak's IMovie capabilities).
Overall, throughout the semester, I learned how prevalent the digital divide really is even in a college town like Madison. We put the blinders on to other people's situations when it comes to technology and access. However, the issues still remain. This project helped me solidify this point by showing me a concrete example of the digital divide. It was shocking how everything we've learned through lecture, readings, and section contributed and fit so well with what our group discovered during this video project.