Media is a form of research
This week Amy Saunders RMIT Media Librarian was our guest speaker. She illuminated us to the possibilities of research in the RMIT library and its online resources. For example, here is a list of resources to peruse:
- http://rmit.libguides.com/mjsm is an extensive online training library that helps anyone learn software, creative and business skills. It contains a wide variety of video tutorials from experts with subject coverage including 3D + animation, audio, design, video, web and more.
(Not indexed by LibrarySearch) - Referencing La Trobe has good referencing
- iSearch
- http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/isearch/search-process
- Moving Image
- World Cat
- Google Scholar
- Or ask a librarian
One of the lecturers, Brian Morris, emphasised the need for good research skills.
COLLABORATION
Here is a great example of collaboration:
Interestingly, employers are advising above most other skills is the ability to be able to collaborate. They are looking for people who can work with other people and enjoy working as part of a team.
The advantages of collaborating are that it can: develop your skills for your professional life; learn more effectively and retain knowledge longer by talking to others and teach you how to participate in group discussions.
GOOD vs BAD EXPERIENCES of Collaboration
The Good
- get great ideas
- cross pollination
- new ways of looking at things
- share ideas
- support
- more responsible
- share work load
- rigour – strong vetting process to evaluate ideas and approaches
- you can tackle bigger projects
- solve problems together
The Bad
- Working with people who are difficult
- Dominate the group
- Want things their way
- Uncomfortable expression your opinion
- Can’t reach a compromise
- People are unreliable
- Do all the work
Taking in both the good and the bad experiences this can help you:
- Develop leadership
- Gain experience
- Resolve conflict
- Negotiate for a win/win outcome
- Professional communication
- Establish peer relationships
- Deepen your knowledge
- HAVE FUN
POSITIVE COLLABORATIONS
See the lecture slides that Rachael prepared: http://www.mediafactory.org.au/2015-media-one/files/2015/04/Collaboration-SLIDES-1z0gh6m.pdf
Resources
• http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/workinginteams/
REFLECTIONS
I’ve worked in various capacities from team sales, building sites, film locations, markets and working with groups. I can say that yes, collaborations are an intrinsic part of getting things done, certainly getting big projects off the ground. You need a lot of people. I hadn’t though, considered the positive elements before; that you can learn from others, that you can have an expanding experience. I mean, I knew it afterwards but my perception of collaborating is ‘Oh, God! I’ll have to deal with someone who is going to be annoying, lazy or dominate the group with their ego.’ And yes, this has happened! But it’s good to see there are strategies out there to cope with the inevitable hiccups. I wonder how it will go with our next project? Bit daunting not being ‘in the young team.’
Also, it was good to have Amy’s lecture about the library resources. I had no idea of the breadth and scope of this resource (particularly the online books and journals) and shall visit the library in due course.