Final Discussion Question!!!

3). Pick a favorite concept that we have covered through this course and post about it.  Explain the concept to refresh our memories.  Tell the class why you have chosen this concept, and what it is you like about it.

The concept that I like and I think that fits style of this class and our style of learning is CMC versus F2F. We all decided to take online classes and although some of us may prefer a Face to Face education. For some reason or another we chose these classes either because of time constraints or a very hectic life. I really liked this concept because I believe in it and I think it is just as good as F2F communication, if not better. I work a full time job, a part time job and I have two children. So not only has Computer Mediated Communication enabled me to have this hectic life but has also given me a chance to get my education. 

Final discussion part 2

2). What have you learned throughout this class?  What was your favorite thing about the class?  What was your least favorite thing about the class?  How can this class be improved? 

During this class I learned a lot about groups and interactions that take place within groups. I also am able to look more at how the groups I am in behave and how I can adapt and learn from them. My favorite thing about the class was the movie research because it allows you to look at movies differently then you normally would. I also liked the blogging aspect of the class because it allowed us all to have interaction with each other. My least favorite thing was the lack of group work that we had. I think that working with your peers is something that helps build camaraderie and allows us to build connections. I think by adding group work within the class it will build a sense of unity between the students. I also think that keeping the blog aspect is a great part of the class and it should remain. 

Final Discussion 1

1). Discuss your Group Observation Project.  Was it a useful exercise?  What did you learn?  What was good about the project?  What can be improved?

I thought this project was a very insightful and useful project. I was able to gain knowledge into different groups and learn about their organization as well as how they are structured. I thought this was a great exercise because it made us get out of our comfort zones and actually engage in the community. I really liked the fact that I was able to look into groups and organizations that I would not normally get a chance to learn about. I know that if I did not have a connection within the organization that I may not have found an organization to observe. I think that there could be a list of organizations on campus that we could refer to. I also think that working in groups of two would allow us to have interaction with each other outside of responding to blogs. I also think that the amount of time given to us was great because many times our visits were a week apart.

discussion 2

Briefly outline an example of collaborative conflict resolution that you have engaged in. Contrast that with competitive conflict. Which was more satisfying to you? To the other party?

The last time that I was involved in a collaborative conflict resolution was recently in another class. We were all proposed a question that was really general and could be taken any number of ways and we had to work together to resolve it. The problem was that each of us had our own opinions on the answer and so we had to all work together to find an answer that worked for us all. An example of competitive conflict would be with my friend and we wanted to see if we were going to invest in season tickets for the 49ers. He laid out his reasoning and his opinion. I then followed with mine and we decided to talk/argue the situation until someone gave in. Personally I like to argue and i like the competition and tension it can build. Agreeing is so easy but disagreeing is really fun and exciting to me. To other people they seem to like to agree rather than argue because its more civil.

Nov 12 - 19 discussion part 1

1). (Regarding chapter 11) Distinguish among a forum, panel, colloquium and symposium as a means for making a public presentation. Which one would you prefer? Why?

There are many types of places and styles associated with having to present a conclusion, finding, recommendation or summary to an audience. The forum is format where a presentation is addressed to a full audience and the audience gives feedback to the presenters. A panel is the format where a group discusses a problem in front of an audience. The speakers present a problem and a solution and then its followed by a Q and A session. The Colloquim is a format where a group discusses a problem in front of an audience and the speakers work through a problem. The moderator has the audience give on going comments and participation. If I had to choose a format for a presentation I would choose to do it in front of a panel. The style of the way it is set up is similar to how it gives the audience a chance to ask questions and reply to any questions that were proposed.

Discussion 2

Name five cultural barriers to creativity. What do you think these would keep a group from being creative? Have you experienced any of these personally? Explain.

The book describes the barriers of creativity as the lack of self confidence, fear of taking risks, the need to conform, environmental and they find themselves locked into our habitual ways of looking at the world. I think when it comes to groups there can be many of these can keep a group from being creative. The first is the need to conform and think and act like otehrs. In groups it is common for people to want to fully assimilate and develop groupthink but sometimes it is ok to be independent. Another barrier that affects groups is the environment that they are placed in. People can be so closed minded and many times they can deter people from being creative. Many times people will be creative and singled out for being different or looked at as if they are trouble for the group. I have been in many groups where several of these barriers have come up. The one that comes up most often is the environment because people will shoot down your ideas because it is different. I most recently was in a group where they all thought alike and I was the outsider for wanting to go against the grain.

November 5 - 111, discussion #1

Provide an example of creativity from your own experience. How does it fit with the chapter's discussion of creativity?

Creativity is defined as “when you do something new, different, and helpful, it shows creativity” (p.162). going against the grain and doing something that is original is the definition of being creative. People who are creative see the world differently and can create thoughts and make them come to life. “Some people see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say, why not?” Robert F. Kennedy. This quote explains how people who are creative and those who are innovators think. I have never seen myself as a creative person because when people think of creative they usually look at creativity as in art and I do not own in artistic skills. When it comes to groups I can be very creative. “Teamwork is a creative process” and this is very true because not only do I excel in groups I also tend to become more creative. I think that the amount of ideas flowing and diversity of a group can definitely builds creativity.

Facebook

Facebook has become the most popular and a very important area of many people social life. For many people this is the primary way they communicate with the world and with their families. “Social network sites like Facebook can be used by groups to maintain both the social and task aspects of their relationships.” CMC relationships are a lot easier to maintain then F2F relationships because of the effort it takes to maintain them. CMC requires only minutes to maintain and simple messages and contact. F2F relationships take a lot of effort to maintain and they are usually maintained by lunch plans, nights out and casual meet ups. Facebook has created a little world where a person can keep track of friends and families lives without leaving their home. A person can track friends or families activities, movements and accomplishments all through a click of a button and a like or short message.  

Week 9 discussion #2

This chapter had a lot of different types of information about technology and the types of communication that is associated with it. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) based groups are affected by many things such as anonymity, group size and proximity of group members. There are many people who prefer to use F2F communication and some that like the convenience of CMC. The people who generally support the use of CMC is busy parents or those in the business world and many times shy people who can contribute more online than in person. For those people the anonymity of CMC helps them stay anonymous and hidden. The larger a group gets, the harder it can be keep them in line and hard to keep organized. Larger groups benefit from CMC because it can help them generate ideas and helps facilitate involvement of group members. Many would believe that being in close proximity of others would increase the bond of people but in CMC it makes people more conscious of their surroundings.

How does CMC differ from f2f communication? (Think outside the box).

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is the process by which people create, exchange, and perceive information using computers. This style of communication includes using technology to communicate with others using methods such as email, video messaging and texting. Face to Face communication is communication in real time and in person communication. The difference is the amount of time it takes to communicate and the vehicle we use to communicate. Many people prefer to have one over the other but they both are beneficial. Many people say that F2F communication is the “Golden Method” because not only is the method faster and straightforward it also is more personal. F2F communication also involves things that many forms of CMC cannot reproduce such as tone of voice, body language and other non-verbal communication. CMC I believe is becoming the most popular of the two because of convenience. Text messaging, email and video conferencing is the communication method of the future and we as SJSU students are apart of this realm. I personally prefer CMC in certain aspects of life compared to F2F. I work two jobs, take 18 units at SJSU and I also have two kids and time is not a friend of mine. If I have a client I need to speak to or a co-worker I need information from asap, I prefer to contact them electronically so that I am able to be mobile and stay busy without having to interupt my day. If I am meeting with a family or a potential client I prefer to meet in person because I will be able to show emotion and concern and be able to connect with them.

Week 8 Discussion part 3

Culture of listening

“Culture matters, and listening styles should be taken into account when working with a group.” This tiny portion of this chapter was very helpful because there are many helpful tidbits that are useful. One section that I specifically liked is that Americans are action oriented listeners compared to post-Soviet Union citizens who are less action oriented. As Americans we hear something we are told then we plan and make action. The problem I can see is that we may be so action oriented and may not plan as well as others. These are sort of things that are important in groups because they help people work together. In some countries age is a very important thing so even if you are not a vocal leader they will look to you for leadership. In some Asian and Indian cultures age is a sign of wisdom and they must be treated with respect and allowed to lead. Its the same with status and assigned roles in many cultures too. If I am in a work place and my boss asks me for advice or explanation about a project, I will look at him with a look of confusion and wonder. The reason is as a boss or leader you are assigned or paid as a leader and its your job to lead and not ask for advice.

Week 8 discussion part 2

Give a personal example where you have had selective attention. Why do you think that is? Is there a way you were able to overcome it?

For the most part I believe that when I do not want to hear information given to me I will let it go in one ear and out the other. I have a father who I believe likes to hear himself speak and oftentimes like to lecture me. I love my father but being 27 years old and having been out of his care for almost 10 years I like to believe I know what I am doing. He often preached to me about family, religion and other concerns he may have. The problem with me is that I am very independent and I believe that I am usually right. So when anyone tries to tell me otherwise I usually will choose not to pay attention. If I am listening to something I am interested in or need to hear then I will choose to be attentive. I don't see it as a problem, I mostly see it as a selective act that I have. if I want to hear or pay attention to something I will, if not then i will ignore it.

Week 8 Discussion part 1

1). Think of a recent situation in which you found listening difficult. Which one (or more) of the four phases presented the most difficulty for you? Why? How could this have been overcome?

You can say I am like most men since I never seem to listen. The part of listening that I have the most difficulty with is memory and short term memory to be exact. Relationships involve many things but the most important part of relationships is communication. my brain tells me to process the incoming messages and I decide to discard the information. The situation that this reminds me of is a fight I had with an ex-girlfriend of mine about how i never listen or pay attention. As she was talking I could feel myself forgetting everything she was saying as she said it. The yelling and drama involved in the fight was more bothersome to me than the actual fight. The most important tip I learned was to not allow myself not to become distracted by external or internal disruptions. If I would have had tips like this I may have been more successful in relationships.

Week 7 Discussion part 3

The non-verbal principle that came off as the most important was principle number two which states that a person's non-verbal communication will be believed more than their verbal. The reason is a person’s words may say one thing and their body language or use of certain gestures may state another thing. A person may state they are not angry and they may have their arms crossed and have a facial expression that states otherwise. Giving off mixed signals is a way that many messages get misunderstood and taken the wrong way. Non-verbal messages can be accepted versus verbal ones because your gestures and expressions are often subconscious and are done without knowing. That is why a person will believe a person is interested in them simply because they lean towards them or touch them in a certain way, no matter what they may say. This can also create confusion and misunderstanding because sometimes you dont mean to give off mixed signals and you do so without knowing and cause tension.

Week 7 Discussion part 2

Proxemics is the study of how people use space to communicate. The distances and the way we use space is an important component of communication. Some examples of space and its meaning could be sitting next to a person. If you were to sit very close you could either show attraction or the other person could take it as an invasion of space. On the other hand a person sitting too far could show un-attraction and the space given can be considered respectful. Chronemics is the study of how we use time to communicate. Time as a communication tool is usually used in task or work based situations. Time can give off many different ways such as having a meeting with someone and the meeting runs too long. In the eyes of the viewer the meeting may have been too long and could have wasted valuable time. If the meeting was to be too short then the viewer may see the presentation as not being completed and lack of preparation. Proxemics and Chronemics are both very important characteristics of non-verbal communication. Examples of distance in other cultures is in Asian cultures they follow the power distance ideology. The power distance is keeping a space between a person with power to show respect. In Indian cultures tasks are not done by time, they are done as they need to be done.

Week 7 Discussion part 1

The list of non-verbal principles are very important things to follow and pay attention to. Of the many principles I think that numbers three and five are some of the most important. Principle number three states “Both parties assign meaning, and sometimes different meaning, to nonverbal communication behaviors.” Many times people have intentional or unintentional non-verbal cues that either party assign a meaning to. Suppose one person tends to twirl their hair when they lie. A person would assume that those non-verbal cues are signs that a person is lying. The person might just do it because they are nervous but the other person might assume they are nervous. The other principle that states “Cultural norms and expectations guide our interpretation.” An example I ahve is with something we as Americans see as being respectful. Making eye contact is something we see as showing respect to people you greet. In Asian cultures eye contact is not often made because it shows dominance and subordination. This is something that can cause a disconnect if all parties are not aware.

Week 6 Discussion part 3

Failure and Success

Success and failure are two things that cannot always be measure by wins or losses or by the grade received. Failures can be measured and broken down into many different types of learning experiences. Communication can sometimes be something that people can fail at and still be successful. Communication is something that can make or break a team and many times learning to communicate will lead to successful group interactions. Failing is not always a bad thing, it can be a chance to learn from past experiences. Just like communication, leadership and role distribution can also be issues that can break a group. The reason these are a problem is because many people assume roles that dont fit there skills and personalities and it may not be a lesson that a group would learn but individuals will learn about themselves. Successes dont always have too much to learn from because things went well. Teams can find the things that went right and make sure to try those techniques again. Group feedback is also necessary because each member will have a different view of what was successful and what things were failures.

Week 6 discussion part 2

Outline and discuss the guidelines for providing observer feedback to a group.

When an outside observer comes in to observe and give feedback to a group there are guidelines they should try to follow. The first of the rules is to be specific on your feedback and do not generalize. Generalizing leads to misunderstandings and if you do not specifically say what’s good and bad improvements may not be made. Another key is to aim to change things that can be fixed and changed. For example you cannot change group members personality traits and types but you can improve how they interact. When observing a group the observer has to know that their opinion and tips may or may not be received by the group. The key is to give the information and if they do not accept it, do not argue with the group. As an observer be very clear and concise with instructions and feedback. The reason is many times words can be misinterpreted and the best way to clear up any confusion is by writing it out.

Week 6 Discussion part 1

Why use a consultant or an observer for a small group?  (Remember, carefully think through your answer.  Your final project is based on this very concept).

Using an outside consultant or observer is a great way to get new eyes on a situation. When a group uses a member that is actively involved to observe it causes conflict because they are evaluating their own situation. When a person is connected to something they tend to become biased and give feedback that is useless and very general. The reasons for this type of reply could be the fact that they believe they have a group with no problems or they simply cannot see the problems. Another problem is that people do not want to hurt other peoples feelings and cause drama or trouble. They will not say anything of use because they dont want to add conflict. Having an outside observer brings a fresh and new viewpoint to the situation. The observer can spot the problems and issues that member may not be able to detect. Issues such as content, critical thinking skills, communication and willingness to listen to others. These may seem like issue that group members can solve themselves but people often ignore issues that involve them. An observer will also be able to give proper feedback so that group members can get information and tips that are accurate and correct.

Week 4 discussion #3

Even though we look to accept differences from group members we also look for similarities. The pressures of conformity may seem wrong but they are necessary in groups. In groups it is very difficult to find cohesiveness initially but when it interrupted it becomes an issue. Each member of a group must be on the same thought process and line of thinking. When someone acts otherwise and disrupts the flow of the group, that "deviant" is usually out casted from the group. Although differences are usually accepted because they spark ideas and allow for creativity. When a member of a group refuses to go along with a groups plan or acts outside of the norm it disrupts the groups chemistry. "There is frequent discomfort or outright hostility toward those members who consistently raise seemingly irrelevant issues or who refuse to go along with what appears to be majority opinion" (pg. 84). Group cohesiveness is important and essential for success of a group.

Week 4 discussion #2

When I think of “white men of privilege” or “ White Privilege” is a term many Americans understand and have opinions about. I am from a mixed family and I have seen the effects of the privilege and the non-privileged. I do agree with the concept because when a person looks at another person they identify them initially with Race and Gender. So my experience is very different because I have seen both parts of the cultural phenomenon. Many people in this area may not believe or want to believe this style of treatment or action is true but it certainly is. The White privilege to me is being judged before you are met. White is trustworthy, familiar and harmless, Black is strange, unfamiliar and untrustworthy. I don't create the statistics on Black families being rejected for positions of power and denied loans for homes. I also did not create the Civil Rights Act that purposely denies White applicants into schools because they are seen as privileged. Are either of these two actions right, no but this is reality. The fact is that in the south people still judge you on color first, sex second then qualifications last. My mother never accepted the fact that she received a different level of acceptance til she witnessed her children receive the opposite. We had all went to the store to look for household goods and I had stopped to ask someone for help. The clerk did not know the white woman near me was my mother and she told me “The tape is over there and pointed and walked away.” My mother instantly walked up to the same lady moments later and asked the same question and the clerk replied “Its right this way ma’am follow me.” My mom instantly asked the lady why she blew off her son and why she received different service and the girl turned white and couldn't answer the question. Since then my mom realized that people do see color first.

Week 4 Discussion #1

Does valuing diversity come easily?  Why or why not?  Can you make some suggestions to enhance a group's ability to value diversity?

When it comes to diversity it takes time and education to value it. Growing up in Santa Clara County we are all spoiled because at any given time we can see three or four different ethnicities at any time. Growing up here gives us an insight into the cultures and we are able to learn the value of diversity. Diversity makes each of us unique. Valuing anything that is different from what you currently  is difficult and hard to adapt to. When I was younger I lived in Virginia for several years and seeing the way they saw people of a different color or ethnic background was eye opening. When you are ignorant of other cultures and don't have any education on them people assume and create prejudices about them. I am from a mixed background and when people in rural Virginia saw me they initially were appalled that Black and White people had children. As disappointing as this was it was nice to see people try and come out of their comfort zone and get to know us. Its strange that people look at anyone different from themselves like aliens but they do. My suggestion for a group to enhance a group's value of diversity is to get to know each other. Let each member talk about themselves and let each person connect with them. I think connecting and bonding will increase the value people have in diversity.

Week 3 discussion part 3

Are there group norms at SJSU? What are they? In the group of individuals that you spend time with, are there group norms? What are they? In both cases, how did you identify these norms? How did you adapt to these norms?Norms—Expectations & Assumptions about Behavior, represented in activities & behaviors that occur regularly. Recognize a Norm through negative feedback when it is violated.

I have not had the pleasure of being a part of any groups at SJSU but I can elaborate on groups I have been apart of. A group that I feel connected to at SJSU is the Communication department. I have taken classes other than Comm classes and you can tell the difference between those who are a Comm major and those who are not. For example I took a Business class and there was one other Comm major and we instantly clicked. Business majors think in terms of numbers and hard facts. They are trained to be straightforward, fact based and very conservative. Comm majors are outspoken, argumentative and are very outgoing. We tend to be leaders and very vocal about our opinions. The friends I have the same set of norms. My best friend is a Bio Chem major and he is just as loud and outspoken as I am. I think norms are a part of who we are and they are also learned as well. I have always been the life of a party and love people and Comm was in me. Some people think and act differently and their major reflects who they are.

Week 3: Discussion part 2

Distinguish between internal and external constraints. Provide and example of each one from your own experience. 

There are many goals that I wish to achieve in my life. One of those goals is to graduate from college. I have had many obstacles that have come in the way that I have not let me stray from my goal. Some of the many external constraints are my job and my kids. The way they relate to my goals is that they are both of the reasons I am going to school. For me to get to school I need to get a baby sitter, drop off my kids and also make sure they are ok. This doesn’t seem like a big constraint but kids restrict what and when you can do things. I work full time so I am unable to attend class regularly so I have to take online courses. This creates a problem because after an 8 hour workday I have to go home be a dad then do my homework and that is difficult. The internal constraints are motivation and becoming complacent. The difficulties being motivated can bring is it leaves me feeling like I shouldn’t try or that I should quit. It’s so easy to stop and say I am done. I have a full time job now and it would be easy to say this is it for me. I could stay where I am and not be motivated by wanting more. These are all things that create problems internally and externally in my life.

Week 3 discussion: Part 1

Are there group norms at SJSU? What are they? In the group of individuals that you spend time with, are there group norms? What are they? In both cases, how did you identify these norms? How did you adapt to these norms?Norms—Expectations & Assumptions about Behavior, represented in activities & behaviors that occur regularly. Recognize a Norm through negative feedback when it is violated. 

I have not had the pleasure of being a part of any groups at SJSU but I can elaborate on groups I have been apart of. A group that I feel connected to at SJSU is the Communication department. I have taken classes other than Comm classes and you can tell the difference between those who are a Comm major and those who are not. For example I took a Business class and there was one other Comm major and we instantly clicked. Business majors think in terms of numbers and hard facts. They are trained to be straightforward, fact based and very conservative. Comm majors are outspoken, argumentative and are very outgoing. We tend to be leaders and very vocal about our opinions. The friends I have the same set of norms. My best friend is a Bio Chem major and he is just as loud and outspoken as I am. I think norms are a part of who we are and they are also learned as well. I have always been the life of a party and love people and Comm was in me. Some people think and act differently and their major reflects who they are. 

Week 2: Wholeness and Synergy

Synergy and wholeness is a theory that people’s interactions working together produces a greater result then the efforts of each working alone. It took a lot of thinking and contemplating before I could agree with the statement. I have always been a single-minded person who works best alone. If I am in a group I prefer to get my assignment and finish on my own.  This week at work we had a meeting to develop themes and slogans for advertisements and we all sat and brainstormed. The reason I am now a believer is I witnessed the magic that appears when four people collaborate and build a concept from scratch. When one person thinks alone their thoughts are lonely and unable to grow. Once you add more people they can build on your idea or vice versa by giving you feedback or guiding you on another route. Wholeness and Synergy is a theory that explains why groups can become creative and succeed. 

Week 2 discussion part 2

Explain how entropy and equifinality impact small groups.

Groups are one of the most beneficial and most difficult parts of life. In sports you are apart of a team that is dependant on each person to fill their assigned role. If every player on a football team ran around and didn’t follow direction the team would fail, that is the same in all group or team situations. In groups equifinality can solve the issues with entropy. Entropy is the areas of a group that can cause chaos and disruption. If all members of a group go out and do whatever they want it will create disorganization. Equifinality is balance, teamwork and cohesiveness is the key to having a great team. No group will perform, gel or work together the same in any situation. With rules and proper leadership any group or team can succeed. If there is balance and all group members are focused on the same goal then the group can succeed.  I also believe communication is a major key to maintaining balance in a group. The reason is that without proper flow of info then there can be misinterpretations of roles and expectations.

Week 2: Interdependence and Interrelationships

Groups are living systems based on interdependence and interrelationships. What happens to a small group when parts of the system do not function well? Provide two examples from your own small group experiences that show the importance of understanding interdependence and interrelationships.

Groups are dependent on the fact that all moving parts must work properly and work well together. Each person must do their part and they must all come together as a cohesive unit to maintain cohesiveness. There are many things that can go right or wrong in a group that can change the relationship and outcome of the groups interaction.

Last year in one of my Comm classes I was randomly placed in a group. I have a very dominant personality and I prefer to be a group leader. The reason I like to be leader is because I like to have my hand in all participation because I would rather control a situation then have none. I assigned everyone their tasks according to their strengths and things went great throughout the semester. The problem arose when one of the members had other obligations that got in the way of school. This led to missed deadlines and poor work. The week before the project was due she finally told us the situation and I had to assign more tasks to the group to compensate. Communication was the key downfall for our group because we did not know the situation and it affected our groups work.

Another example would be when I had a group for a final project in my Geology class. When all members of  a group does not pull their weight is adds more to the rest. We had to do a project on the Los Gatos Trail and as a group visit and write about the geograophy. The problem was apparent from the beginning when we assigned work to be done and one person would not participate or submit subpar material. When someone does not do their part when money or a grade is on the line. Many people will just assume responsibility for the lack of effort and carry more weight. This is common and many times it adds strain on the rest of the team. 

Intro

Hi Ya'll,

My name is Micah Almond and I am a Comm major and I will be graduating Spring of 2013. I am a full time student and I also work full time. I love the fact that I can continue my education and maintain my job and not have to deal with too much stress. I love Comm studies because it fits my personality and lifestyle. I love to meet new people and am looking forward to meeting many of you. I am excited to graduate although that kinda scares me cause i will have to actually grow up jk. I enjoy my job I work at HomeWell Senior Care in Community Relations. Meaning I am in charge of all public communication including marketing, advertising, social network marketing, creation of website and podcast and I also visit facilities and clients. Its a great opportunity and experience for me. I am a football fanatic... GO 49ers!!! I recently got my season tickets so if the Niners are playing I will have all communication with the world on hold until they win. Thanks for listening (reading) my rambling.

Micah