For my independent learning assignment, I decided to focus on audio.  I've never really worked with audio devices such as Tascams and Lav mics, so I thought this would be a great time to try it out, especially given my project.  My project had tour guides walk through multiple areas in the iSchool, often outside or during busy high-volume times (such as graduate student presentations).  As a result, dedicated mics were necessary,  as it helped isolate the tour guides' voices.  Throughout the process, I had to learn and troubleshoot numerous problems with the Tascam (such as finding out that only 32GB SD cards worked on the devices).

Additionally, Murphy's Law was in full effect during my first shooting, where nearly everything possible went wrong.  From corrupt SD cards and equipment failure, the experience really required me to think on my feet and adapt to any problems that arose.