This is a very brief entry, which is part reflection on Friday’s tutorial and a continuation of a consideration of our ethnographic research project, in the context of a MOOC. Firstly it was really informative to reflect on the ethical considerations relating to ethnography and netnography (Kozinets, 2010, p26) in particular, specifically the point was made that it may not always be apparent who actually is a vulnerable person.

it was really interesting to hear about other peoples experiences, on their respective MOOCS and the different approaches which they are likely to be taking in their netnography’s (2010). The words of Sian and Jeremy ring true when they talk of the fascinating and diverse set of ethnographies we are going to have at the end of this block.

The focus on Kozinets (2010) was helpful and the point observation and discussion of commentators such as Kozinets possibly providing a useful framework for investigation, whilst maintaining awareness of the dangers of reductionism (in the application of typologies) from Sian and others was moot.

I’m going comment more about some of my experience within the MOOC from a community, content and activity perspective (at a general level) in my lifestream post tomorrow. Suffice to say that over the course of this week I have been immersed in my MOOC and its ‘going ons’ and thinking very much about the parameters of my ethnographic research and have shifted a focus as the week has progressed to considering how this research will be articulated as an ethnographic artefact. With respect to the tutorial on Friday I similarly, as with other points made above, appreciated how this theme was given a good nudge. I’m going to close this post with a quote from Kozinets (2010, p23) who cites Walther (1997); which reflects the nature of aspects of my MOOC experience from the perspective of an emergent on line ‘educational’ community, and elements of my participation in it:

If people believe that their interaction is going to be limited and will not result in future interactions, then their relations will tend to be more task orientated. If however, a future interaction is anticipated, participants will act in a friendlier way, be more co-operative, self disclose and generally engage in socially positive communications.