We usually think of ourselves (at least I do) as active - as the subject not the object - as the camera not the photo. And when we think of ourselves using digital representation devices we usually picture the mind-stimulation - the ideas from the blogs, the flashes of the video game, the drama of the TV, the jokes of the texting. But another part of our experience is what we physically do during this mind-altering digitalization process.
So the assignment now is to construct a 2 minute (more or less) video of yourself (or someone else, if you absolutely don't want to put yourself on the internet, but then you'd better not have a facebook page) USING digital representation devices. NOT of your avatar jumping around buildings or of the video you watch on Youtube or your favorite music from your iPod. Just you doing what you do digitally with ambient natural sound (no soundtracks no dubbing no crazy entertaining titles).
After you upload the video, embed it in your blog, in a comment that addresses some of the following questions:
- What are some thoughts and feelings you have when watching your own video?
- When you think about living your physical experience being largely what is shown on the video, how does that seem to you?
- Would you want your little sister (or future son) to spend a lot of time doing this stuff?
- What do you think of the contrast between what's happening ON the digital representation device and what you look like interacting with the DRD?
- What do you think of ideas like the Wii that are supposed to make this contrast less stark?
What program should I use?
The best place to post is Vimeo - since the Board of Ed doesn't block that. Please do NOT use a video program that we can't see at school (such as Youtube or Google Video). A second choice if you have trouble with Vimeo is to use Blogger itself (the film button on the tool bar where you can change font).
What should I do for digital capture devices?
Please use a camcorder, camera, or webcam. A montage of photos is fine if you can't do video. If you do not have a camcorder, camera, or webcam please borrow one from a friend. Many people have them on their phones and many laptops have webcams. If you think, "I don't have a camcorder, but I should" you could consider this or that option, or maybe you can use this assignment to convince your family to buy you one of these (I like the purple color) but if you want to do a lot of filming its probably worth it to buy one of the $600 really nice ones.
What should I shoot?
Yourself being stimulated by digital representation devices (TV, texting, cellphones, mp3s and CDs, web, social networking, IMing, video games, DVDs, etc.).
What should I be careful of?
Please be careful that all content you post on these course blogs could be read/viewed without embarrassment by John Fanning. We are chasing big insights here, and I'd rather we didn't get distracted by little dramas. Its like your a big game photographer, off to "shoot" a rhino, and you see a little chimpmunk - don't miss the rhino for the chipmunk (even though both are important).
What do I do when I run into technical difficulties?
Solve them. Either take a deep breath, think stuff through, say mean things, try another way, get frustrated, ask someone else (not me), google it, or some combination of those activities that lead you to success and happiness.
When is it due?
It should be up, on your blog, with comments by Sunday, Sept 27, 9:27pm.
Please see my example here (will be posted by 3pm Monday).
SANDY.
ReplyDeleteor John Li
I really can't decide.
I nominate Esther's video, the video was raw unlike mine which was kind of staged. Sandy's video was one of the best, but i felt the typing was long winded. The best part was the beginning, with the clutter of digital stuff.
ReplyDeleteJohn Li
ReplyDeleteI nominate John Li's video
ReplyDeleteAND Andy Lu's video, regardless of how he did not follow instructions. It made e think - that's most important.
I nominate Chloe's video.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it wasn't the best quality I liked that she not only included footage of how she uses these digital gadgets but how other's people's use effects her.
:D
AND JENISE too.
ReplyDeleteI vote for sandy
ReplyDeleteSandy.
ReplyDeleteI nominate Jenise L. =D
ReplyDeleteOh, the camera I used by the way is a JVC Everio Hybrid 60GB Hard Drive. Very high quality
ReplyDeleteits awesome.
I feel like you put the names "Sandy" and "John Li" into people's head's and it rolled off their finger tips onto this so I refuse to watch their videos, no offense to you two.
ReplyDeletebeatrice,
ReplyDeletei think you're right that an early endorsement from the leader distorts the process. why not watch those videos and 10 others?
i will put Jenise, Sandy, John Li, Andy, and Esther's video up for the judges to rate. What should the prize be? Money? Fame? Extra credit?
It's still not a fair win so there should be no tangible prize. This is basically a popularity contest, and who is really going to watch 100 videos, besides you (it is your job)? That's OD.
ReplyDeleteP.S. you were wrong in saying I would think of your class when I was doing things that make me happy over the weekend because your class never came to mind!
ReplyDeleteI nominate Jenise L. Her video was amazing and different from everyone else's = D
ReplyDeletebeatrice, you needa chill, i'mma hold you back, ain't nobody trynna get shot up in this here comments box.
ReplyDeletetoo early in the year for gang warfare
to quote the language of the kids in my grade, "this uh figh on ma bloq"
ReplyDelete