Introduction
The PictureIt JMU project just completed its second year. In these two years more than 50 meetings have occurred with individual or small groups of students to discuss their photos. There have been 10 large group meetings to discuss the images and their lives. Nearly 1,000 pictures have been discussed with the students and posted on Flickr. Direct costs for the project are appproximately $10,000 so far. Given this level of interaction and costs, we felt it was time to ask for more formal feedback from the students about the project. Since the students asked to continue the project after their first year, we felt that we were doing some good things with the students. The major foci of this report are to describe the impacts of the project on the students, how they have changed, and how the project might be improved.
We are greatly appreciative of the monies provided by Dr. Mark Warner, Executive Vice President for Student Affairs and University Planning, to this project through the SAUP innovation grants.
Research Questions
Many things have happened in the past two years that have affected the project. We have learned things about working with undergraduates, and the project has been modified as needed. There are many different aspects of the project that might be studied. However, it appeared to the project staff that the following are most critical to evaluate.
- What have the students learned so far or gained from PictureIt so far? While a major aspect of the project was to increase the knowledge of the JMU community about the undergraduate experience, it was important that the students learn to document their lives through the photos and discussions.
- What aspects of the project have the students liked best? It is important for the project staff to understand what the students like best. This provides insight into what aspects of the project need to be reinforced or eliminated.
- How might we improve the project? Obviously, it is very important to understand how the project might be improved. Some changes have been made because of student input, and we want to know if other changes can/should be made.
- How much change have the students noticed in themselves as a result of being in the project? As the project has evolved, it has become increasingly important to learn how much the students see themselves as changing due to the project. In fact, student change and growth has emerged as a major focus of the entire project.
- How have the group experiences affected the students? It is well known that groups sitting around a table can impact learning and change. The PictureIt kids know each other, but not well. Only a few interact outside of the project. We wish to know how group experiences of a rather limited nature have impacted the students.
- How well have the OIR staff interacted with the students and what might be improved? Research conducted by OIR in the last six years has found that JMU students are most impacted by individuals who care for them and who can provide the help they need. Interactions of the project staff with the students have immense impact on the success of the project. Do the OIR staff project a caring attitude toward the students and are we helpful?
The survey was developed through input from several staff who worked with the students and from Dr. Al Menard, the AVP for University Planning and Analysis. Using JMU's new survey software, Qualtrics, the Web-based survey was distributed via an email invitation to all the students the first week after classes ended. Sixteen of the 18 (89 percent) participants responded.
1. What have you learned or gained from PictureIt so far?
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By participating in PictureIt I've felt like I'm an important part of the JMU community, I did not think the project will be as big as its gotten and i like the fact that we get to share our experiences with everyone at JMU
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I have learned a lot about how diverse each student's experiences at JMU can be. At each of our meetings I hear about other students' lives and how different they are from mine. We are all doing so many things and getting involved in so many areas; it's so interesting to see what draws someone in a certain direction.
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I have learned how to express myself through the art of photography. I have also realize that you shouldn't plan what you are going to take pictures of but to just take them in the spare of the moment.
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I have learned that a lot can change within a year.
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I have learned the art of taking pictures and capturing those "pictureIt" moments. What I mean by this is capturing those in the moment pictures that depict the emotion and action of a significant event that one would want to have captured.
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I have learned the importance of picking the pictures that are most important to me out of the hundreds that I take. I have gained a better eye for photography. I find myself thinking, "Oh, that would make a great photo."
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I learned alot about photography in general and also about myself. The types of pictures and the subjects that I enjoy photographing have showed me about myself and my personality.
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I've learned a lot about photography, and how to take a good picture, and what to look for. I've also learned how important it is to take pictures--half of the things I've taken pictures of, I probably would've forgotten if it hadn't been for this project.
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I've learned how to successfully document my time spent at JMU. I've also learned that capturing memories in photos will mean a lot to me in the years to come. I've also developed my skills as a photographer.
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I've learned that even the moments that, at the time, seem to be so insignificant can actually be very important and can remind of you of what your year was all about. I try to think about that when I'm taking my pictures because even though something doesn't look important, I know it might be of huge importance later on.
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I've noticed that there are a lot of really pretty things that happen at JMU, but the downside to that is I've also noticed there is a large number of not-so-pretty things. With that in mind, I think I've been able to rationalize events and people a little better
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Many cherished memories and different ways of looking at a photograph that I probably wouldn't have noticed without doing PictureIt.
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Our pictures can tell stories. We can show ourselves in our work without being in it. There is more to photography than you would think. PictureIt has be more than getting a small stipend but rather an experience to go outside of my expertise and listen and learn new things in something I am interested in but a novice in.
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Picture it has motivated me to share my pictures. I've never had this opportunity before. I enjoy the group meetings where we talk about our pictures.
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PictureIt has given me a reason to carry my camera everywhere! This was not uncharacteristic of me before the program, however, I now have an excuse for my actions when I catch weird glances. This program has taught me to stop and capture my life. I am currently halfway complete with my undergrad degree and I feel as though I just began. PictureIt serves as a friendly reminder to document as you go, and take time for the small things.
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The thing I have learned the most from this project is that it is very important to take pictures of things you experience in life because those pictures will be everlasting memories. I take more pictures now then I used to and being able ot organize them on my Flickr, which I found out about through PictureIt, maeks it almost like a timeline of my college life so far.
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Clearly the project has had a positive impact on the students. Several mentioned that they have a better understanding of the need to document memories and have become more aware (or mindful) of what is happening around them. Almost half mentioned improved photo skills that involve non-technical aspects (self-expression, story telling, a purpose for carrying a camera, organizing and prioritizing).
The comments indicate increased self-confidence in understanding their lives and being able to reflect on what is happening to them and others.
2. What do you like best about the project?
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I enjoy meeting with everyone to talk about what's going on, because it's interesting to hear everyone's story and what they're going through. Everyone is doing something totally different, and we run in very different circles, but we still manage to take the same lessons from it all, and that's pretty cool. I also enjoy people I know seeing my pictures, and telling me about it. Especially people in them--it really makes them happy to get on the JMU Home Page :P
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It's a way to actually show, not just describe or evaluate, things that are important in our lives. And on top of that, to show them to really important people.
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Seeing the change within the two years.
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I get to share my college experience
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The help from Casey Templeton was a cool thing to give me a new boost.
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I love taking pictures and talking about why I took them and what they mean to me. It is a time to share something more personal about my JMU experience that I am lucky to have.
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I guess I loved having pictures of important parts of my university experience. I usually am very bad about remembering to take pictures at important times, but the project forced me to think about that, and otherwise I don't think I would have had many pictures of my time at JMU.
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Taking pictures and being able to show them to everyone.
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I like that this project helped me develop a talent and feel more involved at JMU.
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I like that it encourages me to take more pictures, which is something I've always liked to do but probably wouldn't have done as much as I am without this project.
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I don't like any one thing better than the other I enjoy the project as a whole.
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I look forward to all of the group meetings because I enjoy the time the participants spend sharing their stories with each other.
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I love seeing all the other photographs and looking at the different experiences we are all having at JMU. It's crazy when you look at all the diverse pictures, to think that we all go to the same school. I think it says a lot about the JMU community and what it has to offer to every kind of student.
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Being able to express and share things about myself
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The best part of the project is forcing myself to go through my pictures and pick out the best ones. It forces me to go through all of my pictures again. Essentially it has helped me to become a little bit more mindful of my photography.
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I love that the project combines photographs of various photographers with the same idea in mind. I enjoy sitting down at our semester end group meetings and comparing what I've captured in my time at JMU with someone else's interpretation of the same idea. The project is not composed of one person's work, nor is it composed of a group of similar individuals. I truly love how PictureIt takes a random group of individuals, gives us the same assignment, and then a semester later we get to see and compare the various results.
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The students enjoy the opportunity the project has given them to share their experiences and photos with others in the group. They also enjoy it that others in the community can see their pictures. They have an increased sense of their value to the JMU community. They have increased understanding of the value of being mindful and creating memories.
3. What suggestions do you have for improving the project?
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Try to tell people to send more pictures that they take themselves . . . I feel like people who submit pictures that have themselves posing with people kind of take away from the whole project, because they obviously didn't take that picture themselves, and that's not through their eyes.
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At the moment I can't really think of anything, but if I do I'll shoot an email to Dr. Doherty or Lauren
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It's great the way it is.
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Maybe do a group activity where we all get to socialize and get to know each other. I think it'd be really cool to get to know all the other people working on the project.
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I don't know, but I need more help with taking pictures and some kind of assistance would be nice. I don't know how that would look, but having more presentations like Casey Templeton's would be helpful.
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The only thing that I would suggest to improve is to let the word out more about this project. Many people do not know it exists and I think more of JMU should know. The galleries have definitely helped and so has the website, but we need more ways to show the JMU people we exist and are awesome :)
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I can't really think of anything, I love it just the way it is!
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I can't think of any right now.
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My only suggestion, which would be really hard to do depending on your budget, is to maybe look into investing into a set of cameras so every student is taking pictures wih the same camera. That's not really all that important but it could teach students how to use different cameras.
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I like the project the way it is.
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I think the project should be made public to incoming freshmen at orientations and at tours...so they can see an example of a day in a JMU student's life.
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None
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I can't think of any.
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I would enjoy hearing from more photographers, or perhaps one or two photography workshops.
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While most could not think of any ways to improve the project, a few would like to have the project become more known to the community and learn additional photography skills.
5. Please add any comments that you believe would be helpful.
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I think this is a great experience.
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I love this program. I am so thankful to play a role in it. By far, one of my favorite things about JMU.
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4. How much change have you observed in yourself as a result of the project?
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#
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Question
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Significant
improvement
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Some
improvement
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No change
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Ability has
declined somewhat
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Ability has
declined significantly
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Percent
improvement
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1
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Reflecting on my JMU experience
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4
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12
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0
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0
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0
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100% |
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2
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Identifying how I have changed since I entered JMU
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8
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7
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1
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0
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0
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94% |
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3
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Ability to take photographs that I like
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8
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8
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0
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0
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0
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100% |
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4
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Ability to ask people to be in a photo
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7
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6
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3
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0
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0
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81% |
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5
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Voluntarily share my photos with others
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8
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8
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0
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0
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0
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100% |
The students reported self-change in all of these important dimensions.
6. What did you learn from the group experiences (meetings at the beginning of the year, small group discussions, large group discussions, Casey Templeton presentation, Prism Gallery)?
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I've learned that a lot of us are going through the same situations and learning the same lessons. It's been an advantage for me to meet up with peers that I don't know entirely too well, yet they still seem to feel the same way I do on a lot of the parts of college, and it serves as a kind of gentle support. Casey Templeton's presentation was awesome! I learned from his pictures that you shouldn't try too hard to find a good picture--a lot of the random ones I've taken have turned out to be better than ones I actually tracked down. Also, he taught me the importance of people in pictures. It adds a whole new depth to them.
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As individual as I and everyone is, there are still common themes running through our experiences. I think that it's cool that we are all following very different paths with so many similarities.
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Take pictures from different angles and think larger than normal.
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I liked talking to Casey because he gave us really god advice on picture taking, I also like having group meetings because it helped me get to know everyone else working on the project.
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The Casey Templeton presentation was refreshing and he gave new ideas on how to take pictures, tell a story, and show you in your photography. I enjoyed the Prism Gallery and showing my friends what good photography can look for people who aren't professionals.
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I have learned to appreciate the art of photography and other peoples pictures. Before this job, if the pictures were not mine then I did not care or value them as much. I have also learned about fellow students experiences and the similarities and differences between mine and their years.
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During the group discussions especially I realized that everyone else was going through the same trials and tribulations that I was going through and it makes those things a little easier to go through when you know you're not alone.
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All of the group experiences gave me something different. Casey Templton's presentation was amazing because you saw how he actually told us a story through his photography. His work is amazing. The Prism Gallery was awesome because everyone can see our photographs printed and framed now. The group discussions helped look at each other's pictures to see the likes and dislikes and how we've changed.
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I learned how my experience was similar to and different from the other members of the group. I learned a few techniques that I use from Casey Templeton's presentation. I know that I do not remember all of them and wouldn't mind hearing them again.
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What I've learned the most from meetings as far as picture taking goes, is that it's better to take as many pictures as you can and then you can go through and delete them later. It's also kind of funny to see how each student in the group is on a different path through their college careers. There are a few similarities but for the most part I only see these students at PictureIt meetings so it's kind of like a meeting ground for a surprisingly diverse group.
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I learned how others view things around them and how the smallest thing can make a great picture and tell an awesome story. I also learned how we reflect what we are going through during the semester is reflected within our photography.
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I have found that I love sharing my stories with others through my photographs. I've also discovered that there are such diverse experiences that occur during college, and that my own experiences are just a fraction of life at JMU. I have also been inspired by Casey Templeton, which has spurred me to study the work of other professional photographers. By having my photography displayed in the Prism Gallery, I have been pushed to take better pictures because I don't know when a similar opportunity will arise.
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I learned a lot from Casey Templeton's presentation. Great pictures aren't always the ones you think about and plan. In fact, some of the best pictures are taken when you least expect it...spur of the moment. I love that. Candids are now my favorite kind of pictures.
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I learned from Casey about taking the random photos without people knowing. I learned about just people's lives and what we are all going through from the meetings.
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I enjoyed the Casey Templeton presentation the most because I learned more from him. He had more to say about his pictures as art. If you compare his presentation to the group meetings, we were just explaining the content of the pictures but not explaining their artistic value. Maybe if we hadmore presentations where people were tlaking about their pictures as art, we would start to follow. Our pictures might end up being more intentional.
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Although it is a challenge to get everyone together on the same night, I really enjoy our group experiences. This program reaches far beyond just discussing our photographs. The staff, such as Dr. Frank and Lauren, do a great job of generating discussion amongst the students in regards to common interests, stresses, anxiety, etc. Our group meetings are not only a time to share our photography and look back on the semester, they are also a time of sharing about life and offering advice. Aside from our traditional group meetings, events such as the Prism Gallery and a visit from Casey Templeton allowed me to experience things I would not have had the opportunity to do without PictureIt. I enjoyed the advice Casey had to offer, along with merely being exposed to another individual's work. The prism gallery experience was amazing because never before had I ever displayed my work for public view. I was hesitant to do so, but PictureIt made the process so easy and I was thrilled with the result.
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The group experiences appeared to have significant impacts on the students. Several mentioned how interesting it was to see pictures taken by such diverse students who have had comparable JMU experiences. They also enjoy getting to know the different students and would like to know them better. The presentation by Casey Templeton had an enormous impact on them. He was very inspirational and gave them practical photojournalism skills. The Prism Gallery experience was very meaningful for several of them, and some would like to have that experience in other JMU settings.
7. How would you evaluate your interactions with the Institutional Research staff while participating in the PictureIt project?
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They've been good. They're always nice and seem happy to see us, and they feed us, too :)
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They did nothing but help the project and the members
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I enjoyed interacting with the PictureIT staff, they were extremely helpful and kind.
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the staff has been awesome and really helpful
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They are welcoming and helpful and this year they were very respectful to our time and made the most of time spent. They took care of us (exam care package was a nice touch).
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I love interacting with the staff because not only are they really friendly and outgoing, their is a warmth to them where they genuinely want to see you and get to know you. I love how every time I see one of them they remember what I have said in previous meetings, in fact sometimes it is even stuff I have forgotten that I once said. Overall it has been wonderful working with them.
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The Institutional Research staff are amazing!! They have always been so helpful and understanding and during small group meetings especially they really help you figure out why you took the pictures you did, even if you don't know yourself.
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I think they are great. They're always really helpful and when we met for meetings they always saw a different part of the picture that I didn't see when I originally took it.
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I feel that my interactions with the Institutional Research staff are good. I enjoy talking with them and feel comfortable asking questions. I am also grateful for the reminders they give.
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My interaction with the Institutional Research staff has been great. I feel as though any time I walk into the office there will be someone there I can talk to. Dr. Frank even gave me the idea of what major to switch into, which I am very pleased with.
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Interaction with the staff was great, they were always there to assist us when needed, and they made sure we stayed on top of our deadlines.
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Dr. Doherty has become a great acquaintance and I am also inspired by his photography and guidance throughout this project. The graduate assistants have been very helpful in this project as well.
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I feel very comfortable sharing my pictures and opinions with the Insitutional Research staff. I am always totally honest with them and I think it's a great relationship. They are all very supportive of us and our work and encourage us to be open with them.
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They were all very casual and good.
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Everyone was very nice. They are all extremely understanding as well. They understand that we have busy schedules too.
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I thought the staff did a phenomenal job. Not only did they keep in touch with us throughout the semester on project related topics, but they also kept us informed of other possibilities and areas that might be of interest to us. They worked to make the process as easy as possible for us, and they are incredibly approachable. They do a fantastic job leading discussions and showing us that they care about us.
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In the alumni surveys OIR has conducted there are two primary elements that contribute to a student's perception of JMU. The first is that someone cares about them, and second is that faculty and staff add value to their lives. From the responses of these students it is clear that they perceive OIR staff as caring about them as individuals and providing the help they need to be successful.
8. Since you became involved in the project, how much do you agree with each statement?
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Question
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Strongly Agree |
Agree
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Neither Agree
nor Disagree
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Disagree
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Strongly
Disagree
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Percent SA or A
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| I am more likely to have a camera with me in my daily activities. |
9 |
6
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1
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0
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0
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94%
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| I am more aware of the people, places and events happening around me. |
8 |
8
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0
|
0
|
0
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100%
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| When I have a camera with me AND am aware of something in my environment that I would like to document, I am more likely to take the picture. |
11 |
4
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1
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0
|
0
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94%
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One of the things that has been emphasized to the students by the project staff and Casey Templeton is the need to carry a camera all the time. It does not have to be a large camera, but one that can be quickly brought out to capture a special moment. Most photographers will say that many of their most important images have occurred unexpectedly and that having a camera present enabled them to take the picture. Fifteen of the 16 respondents agreed that they are more likely to have a camera with them during their daily activities.
Most photographers will also state that with increasing knowledge of photography comes a hightened awareness of the people, places and events happening around them. Around JMU it is common to see students talking on their cell phones, sending a text message or listening to their music as they walk around the campus. It is obvious that they are not very aware of the things happening around them. All of the PictureIt students agree that they are now more aware of the people, places and events happening around them.
Cameras have become ubquitous in our society, but it is still difficult for people to take pictures due to shyness or not wanting to be notices. Fifteen of the 16 students indicated that they are now more likely to take a picture when they have a camera and want to document something in their environment.
Summary
One cannot read the comments of these students and not be very encouraged about the impact of the project. It is clear from the students' responses that the first two years of the project have been very beneficial to them.
Several important themes also seemed to emerge from their responses to the questions.
Creating memories:
The students have a better understanding of the need to document memories and have become more aware of what is happening around them. The comments indicate increased self-confidence in understanding their lives and being able to reflect on what is happening to them and others. They appear to be more mindful and reflective. They also enjoy receiving the photo books at the end of each year.
Greater understanding of the art and importance of photography
Most of the students indicated that a major impact of the project was improved non-technical aspects of photography (self-expression, story telling, a purpose for carrying a camera, organizing and prioritizing). They were amazed at the ability of photos to tell their story. They want to learn more about how to take photographs that tell the story of their lives and tell stories.
Importance of sharing their experiences:
The students enjoy the opportunity the project has given them to share their experiences and photos with others in the group. They also enjoy it that others in the community and their families view see their pictures through the Current Student website and the Prism Gallery. They like it when their friends see their pictures on the PictureIt website. They view themselves as participating in a project that has significant value to the JMU community. Some would like to see an increased promotion of the project to the community, especially new students. They have increased confidence in their ability to use a camera to tell a story.
Group experiences
The group experiences appeared to have significant impacts on the students. Several mentioned how interesting it was to see pictures taken by such diverse students and that they have had similar experiences. Several would like to get to know the other students better. Casey Templeton's talk on photojournalism was extremely valuable and inspirational to them, and they would like to interact with him again.
Importance of faculty/staff caring and helping
In the alumni surveys OIR has conducted there are two primary elements that contribute to a student's perception of JMU. The first is that someone cares and about them, and the second is that faculty and staff add value to their lives. From the responses of these students it is clear that they perceive OIR staff as caring about them as individuals and providing the help they need to be successful. The challenge of the next two years to OIR is to continue this atmospher of caring and helping.
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