In the last post I was contemplating installing a new operating system in a retired laptop. Having decided that the project is worth returning to, I have been conducting some web searches. It should be noted that to make progress in a search for information you need to be honest with yourself. I have more computer skills than most on staff here at school but in trying to define a topic to inquire about, I was coming up blank. When I decided that I was really interested in computers, I had to determine what I wanted to know or do. When I thought about the Ubuntu project I abandoned, I had to ask why. The reason was because I acted impulsively. Downloaded the software, did the install and discovered that nothing was familiar. Being extremely visual in the way I learn and navigate, I was lost with nothing to reference as an anchor.
It was in desperation that I began to look at what I really knew about computers and what I didn't know. Computer components were not an issue. So I began with a Google search: What is an operating system. I was surprised to learn that there are many operating systems in computer land. A Wikipedia link gave me a working definition for an operating system, while other sites provided history and development of various operating systems.
I have confirmed what Carol Kuhlthau has discovered in her research of the affective domain of the research process. She discovered that at the outset of a research project feelings of uncertainty and apprehension would be experienced. For me that was definitely true to the point of almost being incapacitated with frustration over the pressure to accomplish and move on and not coming up with an idea that appealed. Procrastination was very easy. As I began to brainstorm, I talked with my wife, the school's IT and myself (self-talk). I began to make a list of things we talked about, ultimately listing computer issues I have encountered. Once I decided "computer", I began to surf the web as I noted above. As I began to gather information, more questions came to mind until I felt I had a good place to go with my inquiry.
Since the purpose of this blog is to document and reflect on the process of information inquiry, what has happened to this point is what Dr. Lamb describes in her 8Ws as Watching that includes brainstorming, journaling (the notes I made as I pursued ideas) Wondering: asking questions, connecting prior knowledge, Webbing: searching for information to answer the questions being posed. The process now continues with Wiggling and Weaving. Now its time to evaluate sources for usefulness of content and begin to use the information acquired to answer questions. As more information is acquired about operating systems and Ubuntu, more questions arise that need answers in order to make a successful installation and beyond that make it useable.
In concluding this post, I will mention that as I have selected my topic for inquiry, Kuhlthau's research continues to be accurate regarding the feelings encountered as the information search process progresses. Selection of a topic begins with some confusion and anxiety but elation after topic selection and anticipation. Once I had confirmed my topic, I felt relief that a major hurdle had been cleared. Indeed there is anticipation as useful information has been acquired but it only began to happen when I was able to be honest with myself so I could admit that I knew OF operating systems but knew nothing about what they were or what they did. That was a major turning point. A hurdle cleared.
Now on the next hurdle. Until the next time.
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