INLS 180 Day 26 Notes

April 11, 2002

 

Notes on the rest of semester;

            Next tue: four papers discussed

            Next thur: project presentations begin…volunteers?

            April 23, 25 work on projects (no class due to CHI)

            April 30 project presentations.  Projects due.  Monday, May 6 last day to turn in projects

 

  1. One-Minute Papers (from 4/2/02)

Big Points

      Human senses operate near optimal levels of sensitivity

      Signal amplification---are there understanding/knowledge analogs? [Engelbart]

      Some sensory abilities/sensitivities are genetically determined (e.g., taste)

      Distance learning technologies require technical expertise (now)

      Technological problems can hinder communication

      Expect computer problems!

      Sensory overload!

      ISEE potential for expanding access to education (e.g., remote, disabled, etc.)

      The real problem with ISEE is not the technology, but the user interface

      ISEE should be online EOR classroom, both is too much

Questions

            How does course content affect effectiveness of ISEE-like tools?

            What happened in class (while others were outside)?

            Why try for synchronous channels when time-shifting is a big advantage of remote learning?

            What are the hw/sw requirements for ISEE-like learning?

            Observation:  chat seemed more comfortable and informal than in-class

            How much does the tech gadgets distract from the content?

            How much of this is in practical use?  (e.g., what do distance ed courses do?)

            How to manage/balance the many channels?

            How will this work in discussion/seminars rather than lectures?

            What are the long-term effects of these media on learning/relationships?

            How to make ISEE more natural? [e.g., voice rather than typing?]

            What is the plan for ISEE? Distance ed? Licensing? How much effort going into development?

            What if NBC used ISEE and you could share discuss, etc.?  legal issues?

 

  1. Discuss reading: Dibbell, J. (1996). A rape in cyberspace: How an evil clown, a Haitian trikster spirit, two wizards, and a cast of dozens turned a database into a society.  In Mark Stefik (Ed.) Internet dreams: Archetypes, myths, and metaphors.  Cambridge, MIT Press. (Li Chen and Tony Bull)

 

3. Discuss new communication media: MOOs, ISEE

 

4. One-minute paper

What was the big point you learned in class today?

What is the main, unanswered question you leave class with today?