Looking Out by Donald Macleod – cc licensed

As we begin our fourth week together, it seems like it might be useful to make sure we all have a clear idea of where we are going and what we are doing in this class. As writing a blog post is a solitary activity, it is only possible for me to share my own views and hopes for the remainder of the semester in this space. But it is my hope that I will hear from many of you, either in the comments below or in private, regarding what you hope to get out this class.

I realize that many of you are being to asked to work in ways you are not familiar with. You are learning how to use new tools and to communicate in new ways. I also realize that my constant tweaking of the schedule and somewhat vague instructions leave several of you feeling uncomfortable and unsure of what is expected. It might seem as though you are standing on the edge of a cliff.  I too often feel that way – but that is another story for another blog post.

My intention in running this course is not to make students uncomfortable for the sake of being uncomfortable. What I’m trying to establish is an environment in which we are working together to learn about cyberspace and society, to learn how to solve problems in an uncertain and changing climate, and to learn about working together. I’m less concerned about getting the right answer from students than that they challenge themselves to ask the right questions, research the questions thoroughly and communicate their findings clearly.

I believe very strongly that the intention of this course is to help you develop skills to help you navigate a technological landscape that none of us can foresee. I realize it might seem that I’ve contradicted myself. Some might ask how these skills of flexible and creative problem solving can apply to an uncertain future? I wish I had evidence or proof to offer to convince you it is so, but I have none. Instead, all I have are the instincts and experience gained through a lifelong fascination with media, technology and information. Those instincts and that experience tell me that the future will belong to those who are agile and creative and are able to collaborate and act instinctively. As I’ve already confessed, I have no proof on this so I’m asking you to trust me.

There is another point I feel I need to include that might give some indication of what I’m looking for. But first I should summarize all of the above roughly written stuff. Essentially, all I’m asking is that each of you give your best honest effort in all you do this semester. That is what I try to give to you and I ask only the same in return.

And now let me conclude with the other big thing I’m looking for this semester. I want CIS0835 to be a fun experience for everyone involved. I realize that is an impossible expectation – it is university after all. As one student so succinctly put it the other evening, “University is a battle between students and the professor.” This class continues to be a great source of enjoyment for me. I love seeing the images you come up with for the daily shoot, reading the thoughtful blog posts and comments you are writing, and hearing the serious ideas and semi-funny jokes you come up with during class. I feel grateful and fortunate just to be here.

If for any reason you are not enjoying anything about this class, I really need to know about it. Please let me know so that we can get to the bottom of the problem and hopefully solve it.

So now let us embrace the challenge and uncertainty that lie before. We will all get through it together. And hopefully we learn some interesting stuff and have some fun in the process. Are you with me?