Recapping last MAS890 meeting:

The technology was in better (though not absolutely perfect) working
order this week and we had quite an interesting discussion about
people's experiences on Assignments 1 and 2.  Many of you used the
iCom which made for some interesting comparisons, and others invented
some unusual methods that were inspirational to us all.  I was
personally very intrigued by the range of comments and experience.

To those who have not submitted your written report yet, please do so
as soon as possible.  I will post these submissions on our web site by
next meeting.  Our goal is to be able to share and deepen our
experiences on this site, especially for the sake of those who could
not be present at the discussion, and for those who would like to
contribute more.  However, if there is any reason you would not like
your contribution posted, just let us know.

* * *

Assignment 3 will be quite fun.  I have refined the wording on the web
site and here it is:

Pick a collaborative activity that common wisdom dictates is necessary
to perform face to face or in close proximity to the other persons
involved.  This activity may be as odd or unusual as you wish, and you
may wish to make it relevant in some way to your research or interests
outside of the course, though this is not a necessity.  Arrange and
engage in this activity with the counterparts of your choice, or
observe others engaging in this activity (be sure not to invade
privacy).

Create a photo essay, a short video, or another type of media to
describe the activity.  What kinds of interactions happen between the
humans?  Work to discover and capture the subtle things that aren't
perhaps immediately noticable.  What kinds of things enhance or
detract from the experience?  Then, envision how the activity might be
accomplished "at a distance" -- make drawings or use other media to
illustrate your ideas, and complement these with some written remarks.

Prepare a 3-5 minute class presentation as well as an electronic
version that can be posted on the course web site.  We will send
information about video/audio/image formats that will work for
presenting over the iCom in class.

These presentations will happen in 2 weeks time -- at meeting #5.

s t e f a n