In this class, we learned many things that can be applied to our lives.   We learned how to have a better personal experience on the web by popping our “Filter Bubble”.  We learned about the amazing benefits and bizarre drawbacks that our society experiences as we become more reliant on digital technology for information.  However, the most important things we learned can be applied to courses here at Baruch.  Even though I am graduating, the things we learned in this class I could apply to the courses I took in the past as well as what I will do in the future

As some others have written about, learning about the various databases as well as how to search within them was a huge part of the course.  Had I known about Thompson One, my research papers throughout my time here could have contained much more in depth information.  More importantly, I think learning how to search within a database or search engine was one of the best parts of the semester.  I think many students jump right into random searches when performing research.  However, it is crucial to first consider if you’re asking the right questions.  Also, it is important to consider every word and phrase that pertains to the topic at hand.  These techniques allow for students to perform actual research, rather than rely on slightly relevant Google search results.  Google is part of the second thing we learned this semester as well.

Before this class, I had a vague idea that companies such as Google and Facebook were collecting information about us, but I had no idea of the extent.  I used to be shocked when I went to a website and saw an advertisement for something I had been previously shopping for on Amazon.  Now, this seems like a simple and comical example of how the websites we use daily use our personal information.  Because of the course and the Filter Bubble, we now know that the web companies we use the most use our information to generate revenues.  This is relevant to being a business student at Baruch, not only because of how it affects us personally, but it shows how American industry is now based on information.  No longer is our economy dominated by manufacturing or agriculture, it is centered on who can collect the best information, and who can use it the best.

One way we can collect and utilize information online is through a Wiki.  Learning the inner workings of a Wiki, and how to construct and manipulate one is the third important thing we learned in this class that can be applied to other classes at Baruch.  I was amazed at how a few individual hours of each member of the class added up to an impressive collection of data on a topic that was relatively difficult to research.  This would be a great way to display research in other classes.  We were asked many times to perform research in small teams and present it to the class.  However, having a whole class Wiki allows much more in depth research that can be shared with anyone easily.

Had I known about these three things, not only would I have been able to perform better research, I would’ve understood the importance of information in our society today.   Luckily, I know that these things will still be useful in my future career and personal life as well.