Taking the “Class” out of Class Project
During class earlier tonight, I kept wondering how this class project was going to integrate into this class. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think that this “web portal” was a great idea, but had nothing to do with the class. It seemed like a place for these residents, and those participating in their projects, to post and syndicate what they are doing here. As I listened to the discussion that was taking place, most of the work that was being discussed for our class’ part in this project was more suited for a web developer than an art student.
Most of the talk was centered on creating a dynamic content site that the residents and others participating in their projects could post different things to, whether they be audio, video, text, graphics, or any other digital media. And as the discussion continued I couldn’t help but think that it was essentially a blog with multiple authors. Of course the idea of using drupal to create this was brought up. It seems like a very logical thing to use. And then there was talk of creating graphic templates for the site. This seemed logical, I mean if you have a site, you need a layout for it.
But then I thought about what managing a drupal site and creating graphic layouts had to do with Participatory Culture. We weren’t creating any real new media content to add to that ever ongoing conversation that is the internet, we were mearly helping these residents do it. Now I’m not sure about everyone else but I didn’t sign up for this class to be the Arts Dept. web master or their graphic designer. I signed up to learn more about this revolution that is occurring in media and how it is produced, distributed, and consumed. As well as what it means for normal consumers and how it is going to change the way people interact with their media. And looking at this “class project,” I’m not sure how it facilitates our learning about Participatory Culture other than looking at what some other artist are doing.
Am I alone here or does anyone else think that this is pretty much irrelevant to this class. Leave comments and make your own personal posts.
Edit: Comments should work.
January 25th, 2008 at 03:47
I am totally behind everything you have said. I was thinking the same thing and that is why I mentioned that we should involve other departments.
As I said I share your opinion that this collaborative project does not actually involve much participation on our part content wise, which disturbs me (from class point of view). Yet as an IT student, that is what I usually do (create a framework for others to express themselves). I have always lacked the ability to put in the content. Hence, I believe that I should apologize for steering the conversation in that direction.
But, one thing is a fact: such portal does NOT exist as of right now so I believe that we should do our best to create one and start filling in the content ourselves. I am going to write a proposal for a portal which you guys should rip apart. Once again I will try to present the IT side of what is feasible and what is not.
Sava
http://poquitoapoko.blogspot.com