Google street view, car and camera at the google campus.
1. Learning by doing
For this assignment, you will conduct a digital ethnography using Google Street View to explore people’s relationship with public space. By virtually navigating through your neighborhood or other locations of your choice, you will observe, document, and analyze the dynamics of public spaces and the activities within them.:
- Choose a variety of locations within your neighborhood or places you regularly visit. Google Street View imagery is usually recorded in less busy times, so you may need to try a few places before you find a good ‘site’ for your observations. Consider including public parks, shopping centers, recreational facilities, or any other relevant public spaces.
- Using Google Street View, virtually “walk around” these selected locations. Pay close attention to the details and make note of your observations. Observe people’s activities, behavior, and interactions within the public space. Take note of any notable features, patterns, or events that catch your attention.
- Capture and record your observations by taking screenshots or using screen recording software during your virtual exploration. These visual records will serve as evidence to support your analysis and enhance your final report. Additionally, feel free to create drawings or diagrams to illustrate specific aspects of the observed public spaces.
- Analyze the patterns, behaviors, and interactions you observed in the virtual public spaces. Look for commonalities, differences, and any significant findings that shed light on people’s relationship with public space. Consider factors such as usage patterns, social dynamics, spatial arrangements, or any other relevant aspects. Reflect on the implications of your findings and explore potential reasons behind observed behaviors.
- Compile your findings, analysis, and reflections into a shot ethnographic account Use written descriptions to explain your observations, analysis, and interpretations. Include visual elements such as screenshots, diagrams, or drawings to support and enhance your report.
2. Ethics of digital ethnography
Think about the ways digital ethnography may differ from traditional ethnography. For example, in digital ethnography you may be able to easily scrape user data from a social media website. In reflecting on differences between digital ethnography and “traditional” ethnography, what unique ethical issues do you think digital ethnographers may face in their research?
Review the Association of Internet Researchers’ ethical guidelines and look if there are any guidelines for the ethical issues that you think may be unique to digital ethnographers.