Ellie Owen's BAPP Blog

Whilst I reflect on my personal learning, I would like to accumulate all of my reflective moments from my blogs and document them together to showcase my thoughts, feelings and moments of reflection. 25/02/22 'I found the Academic and Writing Workshops with the LET very beneficial and useful. I used this platform whilst studying and felt that my understanding in 'Referencing', 'Literature Reviews' and 'Critical Thinking' developed. My writing has developed from Module 1, practicing referencing in my blogs really helped me understand and develop my writing skills.  Engaging in as many Group sessions from the start of this course to now has been very beneficial. Discussing ideas within a group prompts questions, new ideas and may spark a new thought which you are then able to immediately discuss.' 29/01/22 'Reading skills are developing, able to extract key information rather than over read therefore loosing study time. Organising my notes and thoughts...

Yesterday we had a meeting with the leaders supporting this course. Thank you to those who sent feedback regarding the BAPP, this has been discussed. I received some important information to report back regarding SCONUL ACCESS. Our librarian explained that as distance learners we are now eligible to study in another nearby university and have access to their books. We are able to access this space to study and utilise resources. If you are interested in this, follow the link attached below: https://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/distancelearners/Otherlibraries What is your level of study Post or under grad Which university you would like to study in Receive confirmation email Take this email to the university you want to visit alongside your Middlesex University ID Card. To apply for this card, follow the link on the web page which is linked above.  If you would like more information on this, I suggest emailing our librarians as they were helpful and insightful. Ellie 

Yesterday we had our Module 3 Group Call focusing on Analysis. I found this call really beneficial to discuss where we all are in our research and how we intend on analysing our data.  I want to use this blog to clarify my notes for future reference and to inform anyone who couldn't attend. Notes: Analysis= make data meaningful, consider all data. Look at the relationships, reoccurring patterns and themes. We spoke about colour coding to help show shared identity and value.  Consider what have I offered? Engage in a deeper level of reflection. What impact has this research had on others?  Consider the environment around you, does this support your research? - This initiated consideration regarding the current climate and demand to work from home, has this affected the mentality to exist online more? Recognise the currency of my research due to the social and technological changes.  It was really interesting hearing about everyones research journey so far and discussi...

 I have begun my interviews with my participants, overall I feel that these have gone well, my confidence as a researcher is growing and I am looking forward to my next ones. On reflection, I realise that my interviews have been shorter than anticipated. After speaking with Helen, we discussed perhaps changing the question structure and making my questions more open. Rather than: What and Why which may initiate a more direct answer I intend to change my questions to more: Could you talk about.. How does.. Are you aware of.. I will mention this moment of reflection and recognition in my report and will consider whether this encouraged a longer discussion with my participants. If anybody else has found this during their process I'd be really interested to hear your experiences. I am about to start transcribing my first few interviews. I intend to make notes of important themes and considerations which will be valuable for when I start triangulating my data. I also intend to rea...

Hi guys!  Helen has posted a blog on the Student Voice Leaders and how to contact us before our Student Voice meeting in March.  http://helenbapp.blogspot.com/2022/02/programme-voice-groups-meet-your.html It be great if you could report to myself or Logan with some feedback and sharing your experiences of the programme. This could be either: constructive positive On the: content delivery and structure of the modules communication with tutors admin & finance with the university  library services LET / disability support etc If you would like to share your thoughts on this please contact me at eo716@live.mdx.ac.uk before the 7th of March 2022. No names will be given in our meeting.  Thank you! Ellie x

After reviewing my GANT CHART this last week, I have recruited my participants.  As stated and supported by theory in my proposal, all participants  must  be: professionals in the industry have an online presence I double checked over all the specified documents to send to ensure that all ethical procedures are in place. I created a list of people I would like to interview, and a back up list. Creating this highlighted ethical considerations of interviewing friends and colleagues, I am recruiting participants from my network and community of practice, this highlighted an area of consideration. I reached out to my peers surrounding this, on their thoughts. I then researched and found literature addressing this matter which I intend to include in my report.  I recognise these key words to be important: PROFESSIONALISM HONESTLY CONFIDENTIALITY RELATIONSHIPS  ASSUMPTIONS FAMILIRARITY  NETWORK  BIAS  PURPOSE  Next week, I intend to focus on send...

Recently I have been focusing on identifying my Key Texts. After narrowing this down I am now highlighting which themes exist and how they either compliment each another or vary. I realise that when reading literature I make written notes on particular quotes which stand out and reference each page number along the way. I find this learning method works for me as I prefer to write notes and type them up afterwards to consolidate my learning.  I created a Mind Map, with my inquiry title in the middle I branched off each piece of literature and further annotated key words from my notes. Once this map was completed I sat back and noticed reoccurring themes and key areas.   To organise my notes and themes I have created a table which I hope will be useful when structuring my literature review plan.  I am trying to process how to start this review for Module 3 without it being too similar to the one in my proposal. If anyone has any thoughts on this I'd be really interested to...

Hi guys! For those new to my blog, I am studying on Module 3 and I will be one of the Student Voice Leaders for this term. If anybody would like to raise any questions/ feedback regarding the course or need me to contact Helen then please email my University email address at eo716@live.mdx.ac.uk.  I am teaching onboard a cruise liner from April- May so my Wi - Fi may be limited during this time but do still drop me a message and I'll reply back ASAP.  If any new students need any advice, please reach out to our old blogs and we can try to help as much as we can! Good luck this term everyone!  Ellie x 

After re- reading my Inquiry Proposal and Literature Review in Module 2, I am now focusing  on identifying Key Texts surrounding my inquiry to use for my Literature Review in Module 3. This brought me back to a past blog I wrote in Module 2 which I found beneficial to re read. I wrote this after a Group BA PP Call focusing on the role of literature.  I have attached the link for anyone interested.  Link: https://ellieowen28.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-role-of-literature.html I referred back to the Literature I researched in Module 2, which scholars/ experts contribute context, alternate stances and develop discussion around my inquiry. After highlighting the VIP literature (as referred too in the Handbook) I researched further into the authors background and acknowledged more of their published work, which has deepened my understanding and created new questions.  More in depth reading has developed new ethical considerations to consider regarding Personal Branding Onli...

I started writing this Blog with an intention to consolidate my notes from the Handbook on 'Knowing Knowledge', concentrating on George Siemens theory of the 'Four Domains of Learning', yet writing this blog has encouraged further questions and ideas which I find fascinating.  Note to self/: Blog my notes as more/ unrelated/ unpredictable ideas may emerge. So I'll split this Blog into Sections. Section 1 'Knowing Knowledge by George Siemens' (2006). Four Domains of Learning: TRANMISSION (learning as course) EMERGENCE (learning as cognition and reflection) ACQUISITION (learning as self directed) ACCRETION (learning as continual/ self embedded) The Handbook relates these domains of learning to our inquiry projects - I am more aware as to where my learning may derive from, and at which stages during my research project I may be influenced by these learning methods. As an activity I referred to my GANT CHART and annotated on each Task which domain of learning I ...

At this point in my study I have begun to reread the Module 3 Handbook in more depth, highlighting important notes and references. A theory I was intrigued by was 'Practice as Research' (PaR) theorised by Nelson (2013).   I have made written notes in relation to: How other academic disciplines view PaR. The foundations and terminology of PaR: The position of practice within the methodology (p.27) Praxis  'Location in Lineage' (p.31) De-familiarisation and Affirmation (p.32) Interactive Process  Whilst reading exerts from this book I recognise the significance this theory has in relation to my approach as a research practitioner and highlights some important points to consider, recognise and acknowledge whilst undertaking this Module. I feel this read has initiated a deeper awareness regarding the impotence of the contribution of practices to my research inquiry, whether it be my own practice or the praxis of others. "My use of praxis is intended to denote t...

It was great to attend the Welcome back Call and meet some new students on Module 1, students on Module 2 and those I know in Module 3. I found this call to be a great opportunity to reflect on my journey throughout the BA PP whilst giving some tips to other students.  Personal Reflection: I found the Academic and Writing Workshops with the LET very beneficial and useful. I used this platform whilst studying and felt that my understanding in 'Referencing', 'Literature Reviews' and 'Critical Thinking' developed. My writing has developed from Module 1, practicing referencing in my blogs really helped me understand and develop my writing skills.  Engaging in as many Group sessions from the start of this course to now has been very beneficial. Discussing ideas within a group prompts questions, new ideas and may spark a new thought which you are then able to immediately discuss. I intend to keep a reflective journal throughout this Module, this is the start!

Congratulations to the students who did their final presentations last week for the BA PP. I logged in and watched a couple and I found this extremely useful and would recommend others to do this in Module 1 and 2! I found watching your artefacts really interesting and they gave me some inspiration. I felt this was a great way to get myself back into study mode and prepare myself for the module ahead.  Reflecting on my study and research project I have set myself a few goals as preparatory work for Module 3. Create a Reflective Journal to use as I undertake my research project, document my journey and feelings in the process Revise my GANT CHART to organise my weeks ahead Read my Module 2 Portfolio as a refresh  Read & print the Module 3 Handbook in advance Well done guys!

I've just attended the Open Discussion Call alongside Helen and a few other students in varying Modules to reflect on our learning process throughout the BA PP. I found this call really insightful and has definitely provoked thought as to how I approach my learning, and my engagement.  Writing this blog has initiated reflection on my use of Blogging, as I realise that I tend to Blog immediately after a Discussion Call, perhaps to consolidate my notes and express my thoughts whilst they are still current.   Helen prompted us to recognise what challenges we have faced and question what this journey on the BAPP has felt like? My thoughts: Blogs and the Online Discussion Calls have helped me journal my thoughts and verbally present my ideas and engage in a conversation with others about it. I tend to start each Module by doing a lot of reading and note taking, I questioned if this was the right approach after completing Module One and if I should perhaps spread the work load out t...

 The 10/11/2021 was Module 2's Draft Deadline date for handing in our proposals! KUDOS Mod 2's for completing a draft, we did it.  ... now to wait for feedback.

Today I did a pilot interview with another student in Mod 2, this was really helpful and has highlighted some key points which I hope to include in my proposal. I did a semi structured interview with open ended questions exploring personal branding online in relationship with career development. Key points from pilot interview: Ackwnoledge different perspectives Be open to answers that challenge your assumptions Later questions in the interview may have already been answered in the discussion of another question If names are mentioned of organisations or companies, anonymise this is in the transcription Feedback: Questions felt open which developed a discussion My Thoughts: I felt that this was really beneficial and has initiated thoughts to how I will conduct the interviews in Module 3 Has highlighted where my assumptions are in the inquiry topic I'm going to try and incorporate this into my proposal now whilst these idea's are current. Ellie 

On Monday 01/11/21 we took a call with all supervisors to discuss our research methods. As my research project is surrounding personal branding online, and I intend to recruit my participants through messaging via Web 2.0, Helen posed the idea that I could include in my proposal theory from Module 1 regarding Web 2,0 and how it has effected my practice and shapes my inquiry. This will be a focus whilst continuing to write my proposal this week! We discussed, Why are interviews a data collection process: Contemporary data Complement literature Current Direct  *Be aware of assumptions and perceptions in interviews* Sam highlighted some interesting points surrounding interview techniques: Your first question should be a throw away, participant has control Engage eye contact Don't have a piece of paper in-front of you the whole time Be present Actively listen Don't be distracted by transcribing Feel privileged to be taking this interview  Recognise that you hold authority Consider...

Hi! I am at a point in my study where I have explored literature surrounding my research topic and research design methods and have formulated a draft literature review. I am working through my MORE FORM as our deadline is the 5th of November for Module 2. This is highlighting areas of my research project that I need to outline, how am I going to keep the anonymity of my participants? Where will my interviews take place? How long will each interview be? How many participants will I interview? and What criteria do my participants have to meet? I feel that now I need to focus on drafting my proposal. I've decided to write a blog outlining the structure of the proposal to clarify my own thoughts and establish a structure for my next week of study, highlighting areas which need further recognition. PROPOSAL (explained in Module Handbook, page 65. Title Intro: background, personal experience, relationship to practice Aims and Objectives of undertaking inquiry   Literature: review Ethic...

MORE SESSION 14/10/2021 During this group call we discussed our Research Proposals and received feedback/ ideas concerning ethical considerations and procedures. We were informed that we will complete a participation information sheet which will establish: intention of inquiry what I am hoping to learn what is expected  the context of inquiry We were advised to think about Anonymity.  Think about the implications. Sensitivity of companies. Reassure participants. This provoked thoughts regarding my inquiry, to be aware of the anonymity of my participants not disclosing their social media domains/ handles as I gather information on personal branding online.  Pedro discussed Consent. informed voluntary explicit specific  time bound, withdrawn  Whilst Sam mentioned Transparency.  Transparency with the participants. What am I doing with the data? Top Tips for MORE FORM: Module Number: ACI3633 Chief Investigator: No, Supervisors Details Start: Jan 31st 2022 ...

Hey! Here are my notes/ thoughts from today's BAPP Call with Helen on 'The Role of Literature'. Firstly we discussed how literature can be seen as 'resources'; things that already exist. As a group we then discussed our thoughts surrounding literature: another perspective adds to understanding comforting and reassuring validity of own experience expand and contextualise own experience develops discussion challenges expectations and assumptions Helen advised us all to remember to acknowledge the authors body of work. Know who's work you are using and respect them by acknowledging what influenced them.  We also discussed where we are finding literature, whether it be through books, articles, journals, TED Talks, reports. We also highlighted the importance of finding literature surrounding your field yet outside of your disciple. This was particularly helpful for me as I am finding with 'Personal Branding' an array of literature surrounding the theory, stra...