Initially I was very unsure how to do the learning log. I considered several options, and liked the idea of an electronic document, rather than a blog. I asked my tutor Diana whether this would be acceptable. I was also quite unsure what to include in the learning log.
Patricia: Wednesday, 4 January 2012
[…] my first question, concerning the form of the learning log. I understood there are basically two options: An offline, “real” paper version of the logbook, or the electronic version in the form of a blog on the web. I do like the real paper thing, it’s simple and immediate, but it’s not very practical when it comes to integrate information from the web and other material in electronic form. On the other hand, although it permits easy integration of electronic information, I’m not really comfortable with the idea of a blog, because I find it technically restrictive and don’t like “my stuff” to be hosted somewhere anonymously on the web.
Therefore I would like to try out something different, which would be in the form of an electronic book, organizing information page-wise chronologically and using desktop publishing software for the layout. I could then send you sections of the book together with assignments, either in electronic form by e-mail, or as a printout with appropriate binding. For the final assessment, I could integrate the logbook into a website for online access, or submit it as a printed book. It’s an experiment for me really, but I would like to explore this approach further and adapt it to my working style. Do you think this would be a feasible and acceptable option?
A related question concerns the content of the logbook, and where to draw the line about what to include. For example, today I found a website of a group of artists doing beautiful mosaics, and I found their site very inspiring. So this would not be directly related to anything I might draw in the near future, but I feel that the topic of mosaics might be important for me in an artistic sense, and I would like to keep a record of it. Would this be something to include in the logbook for the drawing course, or should this book be restricted to what is immediately relevant for the development of my drawing skills?
I might do a second logbook for “everything else which inspires me but is not directly related to the drawing course”. Personally I’d prefer to have a single comprehensive logbook, but it might lose focus, and if I ever do two courses in parallel, I’d certainly be required to decide in which logbook to include interesting material. So I’m not sure which approach works better and would appreciate your advice.
[…]
Oh yes, and should this first presentation email also be included in the learning log, together with our consultations during the course?
So these were my initial thoughts and questions and I’m very much looking forward to studying this course!
Best wishes,
Patricia
Diana Ali: Saturday, 7 January 2012
Dear Patricia,
[…]
In terms of your logbook, an electronic book sounds great and as long as the contents of the course are recorded here, that’s absolutely fine. As for the content of the logbook, there should be your responses to the tasks with headings so it’s easy to follow, answers to the learning log questions and your practical exploration. It should definitely include more than this as well so I can see where your inspirations and influences come from even if it’s not directly related to the tasks. With art being all around us, we are influenced and become excited with what we see and experience and if this is in the log book it makes your work much richer. So any exhibitions, websites, books etc should be in there. Also it gives a better profile of you as an artist. It will also makes sense to have everything in one place so it is organised and shows your journey through the course.
Once you get the course materials this will make sense. Do contact me if you are unsure about anything in each task/module. The correspondence including your introduction do not need to be logged. I will send you a report at the end of each module which you should keep safe. Perhaps in a separate folder. However, at the beginning of the log book it’s an idea to have an introduction of yourself which will lead the viewer of your logbook into your journey and development.
I hope this clears up any questions for you. I look forward to receiving your first assignment and helping you with the qualification.
Good luck and enjoy!
Kind regards,
Diana.