teachers/ designing learning/ revolution

[Lisa Westbrook]

Hi All,

Finally got my email back on.  Seeing a few messages I thought were  
lost in cyperspace.

I just read Richard Gaskin's article
Beyond the Browser (http://www.fourthworld.com/embassy/articles/ 
netapps.html).

This along with Al Rudinsky's post reminds me to think about the  
importance of design. Thinking up front how a project will be  
shared.  We did a web-based experiment some years back and it was  
impossible to get consistency across browsers.  But a well-done app.  
can shine when accessed.  This also makes me want to go back and look  
again at Edward Tufte's design books. He has had a lot to say about  
how information is presented.

I would think a discussion about design principles would be helpful  
before starting any assignment.  The students could create
a rubric after looking at examples of effective and less effective  
attempts.  I found an interesting quiz at
http://www.asktog.com/columns/022DesignedToGiveFitts.html that might  
show how important it is to think about what you are trying to do  
before you just jump in. (This is something I'm in the process of  
doing right now, and feeling IN over my head!)

It feels like scripting and skill at programming is like writing, a  
continual process of refining. But an interesting project could  
provide momentum to keep at it.

Sincerely,

Lisa Westbrook
Onebranch Interactive Community Library
A work-in-progress
www.onebranch.org
6100 W. Parmer Lane, Suite 370
Mailbox 109
Austin, TX. 78727

A Learner's Primer "Everything I learned today is just the beginning."
quote by anonymous