Organizing Resources (Yeah, It's Probably Not What You Want to Read)

I really like the possibilities for organization that hypertext offers. I know this is a little too much, but I reorganized the readings from the syllabus that we have done so far this semester:

RECONFIGURED SYLLABUS
I. Computer-Based, Ergodic Reading
1) Natalie Bookchin’s “The Intruder”
2) Michael Joyce’s “Afternoon: A Story”
3) Deena Larsen’s “Disappearing Rain”
II. History
1) Ong
2) Ong
3) Kittler
4) Gitelman

III. Media Theory
1) Bolter &Grusin
2) Bolter &Grusin
3) McLuhan
4) Bush
5) Nelson
6) Bolter
7) Aarseth
8) Aarseth
IV. Literature
1) Swift
2) Borges

This is just one outline variation that is the type of change made possible in a hypertext information retrieval system with the possibility of various outlines, as suggested by Bolter (94). (This is not in any way spoken to denigrate the existing syllabus.) I made this particular one to help me to categorize the readings and understand them as they relate to each other within the categories, but just as importantly, to see how the categories work together to form a broad-based approach to understanding Media Studies in general. People constantly ask me to prove that Media Studies is a valid major, which usually involves me detailing the various “legitimate” component subjects within Media Studies, including the history, literature, and computer-based categories mentioned above.

As I was writing this, I decided to explore our existing hypertextual syllabus on http://moodle.pomona.edu. That was very eye-opening for me. Moodle is a new thing, and I have not really looked it over too much, except to get information or post something for a class. But looking around, it is very interesting just to see how much is so accessible in so many different representations: the calendar for monthly events, the forums (very ergodic and cypertextual), and just the general setup that allows for such easy connections to readings, social events, etc. Various authors (including Aarseth 170) talk about the use of computer technology and particularly hypertext and cybertext for the benefit of education, and it is just interesting to really stop, look around, and see that in action.

This has actually given me several ideas that I would like to continue to work with and mull over, maybe for the final project, maybe just for life, all concerned with organizing resources.

First, I have been attending Pomona’s Community Building Training with other members of various groups on campus, and a central problem is networking: when various planned events will coincide, when groups are planning similar events or addressing similar problems and could work together, etc. For both of the organizations I am involved with (PDAC and Multicultural Hall), I am looking into addressing this organizational, networking, coalition-building problem, because it seems like it is one of those things that would make a noticeable difference in our quality of life, without being that hard to do. Multiple calendars exist, multiple group membership lists exist (some outdated, some not), etc., and all in different places. I was just looking at the Blue Pages organization directory http://www.aspc.pomona.edu/organizations/index.aspx on the Pomona website, and again, realizing how much is already there. If this could be updated with a Moodle-esque calendar with colored blocks on the calendar for the group events a student wants to see, and maybe with some member lists, and updated information and then linked from students’ Moodle account—THAT would be awesome.

Second, I think it might be cool to set up some sort of website for myself resembling Moodle, with links to all my favorite websites, a schedule, calendar of events that can update itself with certain group events I want, assignments, journals/thoughts/reminders about career/internship stuff (all with links for my very tangential thoughts), updates for the latest concerts in LA for my favorite bands….THAT would be really helpful.

Also, I really like this idea of exploring different websites for these responses (if only just for the second, non-reading response weekly blog), websites I wanted to check out anyway and just never made time to. This helps me get my stuff done, makes Media Studies assignments more interesting and relevant, and better acquaints me with what is out there with new media (stylistically, technically, etc.). Honestly, it makes me want to learn to make websites (mere exposure effect.)

Oh yeah! Randomly, I also think that teachers (at least those who have freshmen) should explain to students how they should use Moodle (just like with a 5-minute demonstration,) because, like I said, I did not realize all about it until just now. Additionally, with some classes, things aren’t quite as clear as with the Media Studies site.

Also, I think it would be really cool to learn to make websites by redesigning copies of the school ones that we might have access to. We could play with Moodle to make it do more, etc. I don’t know. I’m just rambling at this point.

Wow! This blog has been very therapeutic. I didn’t think assignments were supposed to be like that, but these are thoughts for a final project. So I guess it is OK. Good night!