Completed Evaluations: 75% (19/26) Overall Course Evaluation Form   inadequate (1) poor (2) average (3) good (4) excellent (5) not applicable AVERAGE 1.  Fulfilled course objectives (as stated in the course outline). 0 0 0 3 16 0 4.84 2.  Distributed graded course work due dates throughout the term. 0 0 0 2 17 0 4.89 3.  Used methods of evaluation that reflect subject matter appropriately and provide a fair evaluation of student learning. 0 0 0 5 14 0 4.74 4.  Contained useful readings. 0 0 0 4 15 0 4.79 5.  Was complemented by guest lecturers. 0 3 0 5 4 7 3.83 6.  Overall, how would you rate this course? 0 0 0 2 17 0 4.89   much greater (1) greater (2) the same (3) less (4) much less (5) not applicable AVERAGE 7.  Compared to other courses I have taken at the same level, the workload of this course is... 1 2 13 2 0 1 2.89 8.  Compared to other courses I have taken at the same level, the difficulty of the course material is... 0 5 12 1 0 1 2.78 9.  Considering your experience with this course, and disregarding program or degree requirements, would you still have taken this course? YES - 18     NO - 0 N/A - 1   Evaluation Form for Instructor Jenna Hartel   inadequate (1) poor (2) average (3) good (4) excellent (5) not applicable AVERAGE 1.  Clarity in explaining concepts with appropriate use of examples? 0 0 0 3 15 1 4.83 2.  Availability for consultation during office hours or by appointment? 0 0 0 2 17 0 4.89 3.  Encouragement of student questions or discussion in class time when appropriate? 0 0 0 2 16 1 4.89 4.  Ability to respond to a wide range of questions about material in the course? 0 0 0 4 14 1 4.78 5.  Commitment to grading student work fairly, with helpful comments and feedback (if appropriate)? 0 0 1 3 14 1 4.72 6.  Commitment to returning graded work within a reasonable time? 0 0 0 2 16 1 4.89 7.  Ability to communicate interest and enthusiasm in the subject matter? 0 0 0 1 17 1 4.94 8.  Contribution to how much you learned in course? 0 0 0 3 15 1 4.83 9.  Overall, how would you rate the effectiveness of the Instructor’s teaching? 0 0 0 3 15 1 4.83 Student Comments (a sample) What are the specific strong points of the course? Independent project approach is appropriate to grad school level. Great opportunity to pursue an idea & design an approach. Instructor provided all the training that was need to successfully complete the requirements. Professor Hartel put together a really comprehensive syllabus and reading list that introduces all of the major concepts in info-seeking literature. Assignments were interesting, as were lectures. I think the use of really interesting concepts and topics to highlight research methodologies and more theoretical ideas was on of the best parts of the course. The way the course was built. Each week was self-contained, but there were arcs of knowledge spread out over 3 or 4 weeks at a time, which at the end created a good overall understanding of the course material. Having the opportunity to design and execute an original ethnographic study is definitely the major strong point of the course. I really enjoyed Jenna's enthusiasm and her amazing powerpoints. She also went beyond and related topics to everyday things that students can relate too. SHe made things sound fun, and easy and was always there to support you. in addition, the project we did really taught me alot-- that was definatly a strong point Jenna was able to distill complex research methodologies into simple visualizations that just 'clicked'. The course was the first opportunity to put theory into practice and get out into the world and act like an information scientist. It was a great capstone to the Masters experience. Unique opportunity to delve into ethnographic methodology as applied to information behaviour. This course really allowed us to transform ourselves into ethnographers and apply weekly theory to practical use. There is no other course currently offered at FIS that is anything like this course. I found it refreshing to get a different perspective than I'd received in other courses. It truly changes how you look at the world of information! Everything about this course was excellent. There was a perfect balance between philosophical readings and literature on practical applications of ethnography etc. for studying what is "informational" in a given setting. enthusiasm of the instructor. the fact that we could design our own projects, definite bonus This course offered a new look at information which was great. It gave me the opportunity at something that interests me from an informational point of view. The fieldwork was a great opportunity to get out and see what is happening in the world beyond the U of T campus. Ability to choose own research project and shape it in way that fit our schedule. it made working at it much more exciting and everyone was passionate. What is your overall opinion of the course? This course was great! I enjoyed it and didn't want to miss class. I wish that I had had more time to work on my project 13 wks seemed to short. I would suggest it to everyone. EXCELLENT. Easily the best course I had this year, if not during my entire degree at FIS. Overall, it was definitely one of the most fun classes that I had the opportunity to take at the iSchool, but at the same time I definitely learned a lot about ethnography, a research methodology that I had had no experience with previously. Great! This course is AMAZING. It is unlike any other course in the faculty and it's completely relevant to anyone considering doing research in their future. i'm graduating this term and of all the courses i have taken this has been the best. Really its Hartel that made the difference because she is so genuinely enthusiastic. A very innovative idea! The course title caught me and I wasn't disappointed. There was a great deal of work, but it was all quite interesting and relevant as it all linked together clearly. Great course where I learned specific skills that could be applied in many different situations - personal life, academic work, and paid work. My favourite course by a mile so far. Lots of fun and I feel I've learned a lot! I enjoyed that the course provided a good balance between practical and theoretical material! I think too often focus strictly on theory at FIS so it was great to have an assignment designed to practice what we'd learned. I really really enjoyed the course and Jenna's teaching style. I had a bit of a family emergency at the begining of the semester and as a result missed some of the classes but she really went far and beyond and helped me get caught up with the concepts and theories. Excellent Excellent, excellent course. Encourages original thinking, and allows students to explore areas of interest. Great readings & I learned a great deal of skills, both theoretical and practical. THE iSCHOOL NEEDS MORE COURSES LIKE THIS!!!! Very interesting and thought provoking. What are the specific strong points of the Instructor's teaching? Jenna is a very creative pedagogue. She is definitely the queen of PowerPoint presentations and at the same time minimizes the use of lecture style teaching. Jenna devised a wide variety of learning experiences both in class and through the assignments. She is terrific at facilitating and engaging students in discussion. the power point presentations were outstanding Her enthusiasm and fantastic power point presentations. strong points- teaching style; powerpoints; fun and engaging lectures. very passionate and understanding. One of the only professors I have had yet that demonstrated a care and interest for each student and their work. clarity when explaining concepts and excellent powerpoint slides The amount of careful thought and planning that Jenna put into the course material and her presentation of it was obvious, and it really paid off. I felt that there wasn't a wasted moment during class, but also that Jenna managed to cover all of the important bases thoroughly and in detail. Dr. Hartel is so enthusiastic and excited about teaching. Her Powerpoints are great and her lecture are interesting and right on topic. It is easy to see the connections she is making and she is not afraid to keep the class on track, even if it means cutting off comments and questions. Love it! Jenna is extremely well-organized and clear instructor. She approached the course and content with extreme enthusiasm. One of the best professors I have ever encountered. Professor Hartel is not only knowledgeable, organized, and really clear and thorough in everything she does (assignments, lectures, etc.), she is also so enthusiastic and encouraging. She goes out of her way to help students and to express interest in what they're doing and what they want to do, and she treats students on an equal plane to herself in and outside of classes. Detailed and specific comments on assignments are such a great aspect of Dr Hartel's approach. Additionally, she gives you a very thorough outline of her expectations, how marks are awarded, etc. She is always clear and will exhaustively work with students until they feel comfortable with the work. Hartel thinks of novel and interesting ways of presenting ideas, she goes the extra mile, she takes an interest in your work in a genuine way. One of the better instructors in this program! Dr. Hartel is so enthusiastic about what she is teaching! Her enthusiasm was really motivating and made the course fun. She also made her student's success a priority and was always there to help how ever she could. Jenna is humble, engaging, interesting and articulate. She is able to explain concepts in a fun, unique way that make them easy to understand. Enthusiam, specific and intense understanding of the ethnographic process, power point!, sympathetic and open to student input. Enthusiasm, extremely strong presentation style, engaging. Really, really committed to providing an engaging class; I appreciate how much work she puts into the presentation of the material--it must take a lot of her time to plan the classes and it didn't go unnoticed. Also, her explanations of theory and methodologies were clear, and she highlighted them with examples very well. Also, on a frivolous note, hands down she's one of the best dressed instructors at the iSchool--and I say this not just because I would like to own her wardrobe, but also because it does demonstrate her commitment to providing an engaging visual presentation for students.