Weekly Report 4

This week we tried meeting online, via AIM, as a method of working together on the Instructional Problem Statement. In theory one of us probably could have done it on our own, but I think it was helpful to try that method. It was very interesting. I don’t know how Alicia found it, but I thought it worked rather well. When we are using that method we can both choose a location and background situation that best suites us, whether that is having music playing, a TV on, or absolutely no sound whatsoever. Collaborating via an im system also has the advantage of being possible regardless of physical distance, so we could easily go on vacation but still work on the project together.

I think the only real weakness is that when I am working on an idea, Alicia can’t see what my idea is until it’s complete and I send it in a text message. Therefore there are long periods of silence while one of us is developing an idea, or the other is examining it after it has been sent as a message. In many ways I definitely agree that in person is superior, but when in person is not an option or is inconvenient, this works. I think it’s a good idea to experiment and try different methods of communicating and handling aspects of the project now, in the early phases, so that we can work out the kinks and know what works when things become more hectic. We don’t need all our documents to also be on a wiki, or as google docs, but I figure “why not”.

Weekly Report 3

This week we finalized the proposal and the omelet exercise. We chose to separate the work, Alicia would work on the proposal, while I worked on the omelet diagram. So far that has been the common method, separate the work into independent processes that we can each do on our own. It’s working out rather nicely, but I wonder if it will still be possible to divide the work in this method once the main project begins, and each process is intended to function like a puzzle piece, fitting in with the rest.

When I created the level 2 omelet diagram I intentionally made it larger than it needed to be, as practice for later. This one could have been made as a single column of sheets, but the final project will be too large. I think the best method is to try and divide the diagram into a series of columns of 8.5x11 sheets, and establish those columns as early as possible. That way you only have to align one page to the left or right of the main page, and then the rest are aligned from top to bottom. When pages are aligned top to bottom the PowerPoint Outline Sidebar almost simulates the diagram.

I also really like the idea of placing small geometric shapes with numbers inside them along the edges of slides. I chose to place them as mirror images of each other along the edge, the 5 triangle on the bottom of one page would also be on the top of another. Setting that up can be a little time consuming, but once it’s done that makes laying out the pages so much easier than a simple page numbering system.

Weekly Report 2

This week we both have wikispace pages up with contact info. During class we made a rough outline of the project; an introduction and 3 main sections, each with the same list of about a dozen specific topics and areas to cover. I think that kind of uniformity would help students feel like they know where they are in the program at any time, and how much is left in a given section. We’ve started working on the proposal.

Slowly but surely we’re fleshing out what this project is going to be. We know the central topics, and we have some general ideas about how each section will be segmented, but our ideas are still a bit vague and untested.

Alicia works fast. I emailed her to discuss developing the proposal via email, im, or phone, and she replied that she had already created a rough draft; leaving me wondering if I’m doing enough. I’m surprised she didn’t want to be the project manager, she seems to naturally take charge.

Weekly Report 1

Beginnings are often difficult times, but this one is going pretty well. Using past classes as models we decided to create a wikispace, to post our project planning and documents to, we know what our topic is, so far so good.
Unfortunately Friday I started getting a cold, but I am hopeful that I will get through it by Monday.
Alicia and I have been in touch. She's researching our topic online.
It was interesting. As Dr. Abed talked about the project my mind started lighting up. I remembered bits and pieces of the program that echoed what he was saying; Making it Happen, Wikispaces, etc.
Overall, there isn't that much to do yet. But I imagine that will change soon enough.