Module 6: The Big Idea

Module 6 covered both Dimensional Thinking and Modelling. Simply put dimensional thinking about the process of taking something that you know and applying it to a bigger scale, different proportion, or different dimension. In the simplest forms, this made a lot of sense to me. The book provided reducing the serving size of a recipe as an example. In my own life, I use dimensional thinking to anticipate the actions of others. For instance, if person responded a particular way, I will usually reflect on those telling situations to predict what their actions will be in the future. Maybe not entirely fair, but honest. However the reading at times seemed hard to follow when dimensional thinking was applied to moving from 2D to 3D.

Modelling, is something that I am quite familiar with being that I worked developing courseware. On the common deliverable for this kind of product is a functional model, to give the client a general look and feel  of something before investing substantial amounts of time and/or money into something that doesn't meet their needs. One of the fundamental differences between dimensional thinking and modelling is that Modelling requires intense observation of a real system or situation. Another fundamental difference is when they needed, models give you a physical, theoretical, or mathematical example of something that can not be easily experienced. Dimensional thinking seems to be less preparatory, and directed to achieving a particular task. While modelling seems to be bigger piece of the planning process. The book mentioned that dimensional thinking is often used in the process of producing a model.

Module 6: Zoom In - The Eagle and the Fox.

I did my zoom in using a site called Toon Doo. The comic is based on an Aesop fable where a fox and an eagle decide to live together, and the eagle eats the fox's cubs when the fox is gone. Later that day when the eagle was out scavenging the remains of a sacrifical animal, he brings some scraps how to his youngs. Unbeknownst to him, a twig that carried was carrying a spark from the sacrificial fire. This ignites the eagles nest, and it falls to the ground with Eagles young. The Fox then eats the Eagle's young. The moral of the story... Do unto others, as you have them do unto you. Here is my comic:

Module 5: The Big Idea

To synthesize my thoughts about this topic, I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. Since this module was also my group topic, I had to think way beyond the scope of the assignment to develop a much deeper understanding to help assist in creating something that could in turn be a beneficial for the class. Our group is experiencing many challenges collectively, so working them requires empathy to continue to push through our problems and contribute in the way that we can.

I think this assignment has made me look deeper at the work that I do everyday. I used to find it somewhat annoying that people marvelled over of the things that I do with technology. Partially, because a part of me felt that the praise was in a part a cop out for people to avoid their own technical development. I think this assignment in conjunction with trying to do a skills transfer with a co-worker has helped to see that I have been over simplifying what is required to do the work that I do. Because this kind of work is automatic for me, it is difficult for me to see the challenges inherent in this work. However, when I step back from it and visualize the work that is involved, the understanding of systems are interconnected, and how to achieve a desired outcome; there is a lot to it.

So there you have it. A deeper realization of my own embodied thinking and empathy for those who don't see the world with bluetooth glasses.

Module 5: Embodied Thinking Assignment

Every day I put in 8-12 hours working developing and supporting the technical environment for the MSU's software implementation. Having to manage many systems simultaneously,in a work environment that is less technical than I am accustomed to is made me much aware of strengths in working with technology. My topic is Web 2.0 technology, which I utilize to support our training rollout. The way that I become accustomed to dealing with the many systems together in a coordinated manner is a lot like surfing. Since I can't surf the water or Web 2.0 technology, I thought I create a picture to help my audience envision, how I feel in my element.

Sure I could have created a better quality picture, but bad quality pictures are much funnier.