Understanding is another important part of participating within networks. It is imperative to contextualise the data we receive and turn it into information with significance. It is within the relationships between multiple pieces of information that meaning creation happens.
A big part of understanding happens by reading widely and engaging in critical thinking. I also believe it involves using interdisciplinary learning discourse from other schools of thought. For me personally, this happens online by using alternative websites to fact check and confirm information I receive. For instance, when I read a breaking story on a news publication’s website, I will cross-check with other reputable news sources to ensure they are publishing the same information.
A big part of understanding happens by reading widely and engaging in critical thinking. I also believe it involves using interdisciplinary learning discourse from other schools of thought. For me personally, this happens online by using alternative websites to fact check and confirm information I receive. For instance, when I read a breaking story on a news publication’s website, I will cross-check with other reputable news sources to ensure they are publishing the same information.
A short screen recording which demonstrates how I successfully understand information in the online network by fact-checking and cross-referencing.
In offline networks, this can happen in similar ways too. Using the example from the previous section 'finding', if I were using a map and street signs to find information about the road network, I could use outside knowledge such as anecdotal evidence from previous journeys I had made, directions given from a friend, or suggestions from a radio traffic update which tells me to expect delays and disruptions to influence how I understood the information I found.
I think understanding is being able to take information and think about it with your own brain to come to the conclusions that make the most sense to you. It’s also about being open to wide and diverse sources of information. It is about trusting yourself to contextualise the information you make yourself available to.
However, it is also about trusting yourself to let go of notions of authorial intent. Many modern media academics tell us that writers should allow readers to make choices: Landow says that:
I think understanding is being able to take information and think about it with your own brain to come to the conclusions that make the most sense to you. It’s also about being open to wide and diverse sources of information. It is about trusting yourself to contextualise the information you make yourself available to.
However, it is also about trusting yourself to let go of notions of authorial intent. Many modern media academics tell us that writers should allow readers to make choices: Landow says that:
"the writer [should] write in such a way to allow a reader to make informed choices” (2006, p.225).
Nelson also writes that hypertext is in its best form when it is:
"text that branches and allows the reader choices” (1992, p.0/2).
What does this mean for me professionally? Well, if I am to become a journalist I will be required to sort through large volumes of information very quickly, and synthesise information into digestible outputs. I will need to be a very quick learner, and utilise skills of close listening and close reading. I believe this goes back to the importance of relearning how to ask good questions. I must be open to diverse opinions from people across social, age, and cultural boundaries, and refrain from judgement.
I think developing my participation in the network has well prepared me for these challenges. My ability to be flexible, adapt to changing circumstances and demonstrate initiative is one of my strengths. I thrive on new challenges and pressure, and can channel this into motivating myself and those around me to identify opportunities and achieve innovative results.
Click here to read about how I think this works in harmony with the role of a curator.
I think developing my participation in the network has well prepared me for these challenges. My ability to be flexible, adapt to changing circumstances and demonstrate initiative is one of my strengths. I thrive on new challenges and pressure, and can channel this into motivating myself and those around me to identify opportunities and achieve innovative results.
Click here to read about how I think this works in harmony with the role of a curator.