Term 2 - Blog 2

For the second guest speaker, we actually had two speakers in one day. It started with a visit to the ROM where we spoke with the Senior Director of New Media for the ROM. I currently do not remember his name.

He spoke with us on what he did at the ROM, how the ROM operates (It kinda felt like he was trying to sell something to us, he kept pushing how the ROM needs donations... I didn't appreciate that), then moved on to discuss some of the things the ROM has now. We were in a room designed for digital learning during this, so this was what we were shown; How the ROM is trying to use digital learning to teach history. ( Link )

We were then given the chance to go around the ROM a bit, though not much. We were shown the dinosaur exhibit, where they were using what appeared to be touch screen kiosks. Given how responsive they were, I don't think they were touch screen at all, but were actually GesturTek technology. We were shown one thing during the tour that was, indeed, from GesturTek, so it wouldn't surprise me. ( Link )

Oh, did I mention the mummified skeleton we saw? No? It was awesome! I hope I don't get cursed or anything. :D

After the show of the dinosaur exhibit, it was pretty much over, so we all went for lunch then headed to our next destination: The "office" of one Steve Mann. The walk was kinda annoying and we barely made it on time, though we all have to thank Heather for getting there at all! Her GPS device saved the day! ( Link )

So anyway, we met with the "world's first cyborg", and somehow I knew it would be an entertaining experience. It was indeed. I can somewhat see why they call him the a "cyborg", given his work into mediated reality and how he likes to wear a camera on his head. To be honest, it felt a bit as if he wore it all on purpose for the sake of a role and he didn't wear it all day long. But anyway, Steve Mann is the writer of a couple of books which talk about the subject of mediated reality, a concept which does interest me somewhat. ( Link ) ( Link )

Steve introduced us to what I believe is his latest invention, the hydraulophone! What is it, you ask? Why, it's a flute that uses water instead of air! It was actually pretty cool, and a few people got soaked from him playing it for us. I'm glad I didn't. Anyway, the hydraulaphone is designed as landscape architecture for public parks, museums and landmarks. It's far too expensive for the average human to purchase, however. The idea is you cover holes, which are pumping water out, to create noise. Some variations can be used almost like a piano, and with practice you can do a lot of cool music with it. ( Link )

That's all for now.