Podcasts

Pick a problem that you think is important that has both an engineering/technical component and a social component and make a 12 minute podcast/videocast on this problem.  (You might use a Benjamin Franklin approach and look around for some problem that is not being solved.)  The podcast could take several approaches.  One would be to introduce the problem and its components and then how you envision the problem might be addressed.  Another approach would be to tell us why the problem has avoided solutions (Although that would be pretty depressing.)  Another approach would to tell a speculative futures story about how this problem was solved.   Your problem of choice, can be something local (at NCSU, Raleigh, or North Carolina) or something global.      Before you do your podcast, I expect you to turn a structured analysis of the problem. which will include a bibliography. One of the ways I will evaluate your work is by asking if someone who didn’t take this class have produced the same work.  If the answer is yes, that will be a sign to me that of weakness in the project.  Your audience will literally be your peers.  We will spend time the last week of class listening to and discussing other cell’s podcasts.  The Innovation Studio at DH Hill library has expressed interest in showcasing your podcasts.  (Because of that even if you do a podcast, think of a visual or two that would help introduce your podcast.). I will also make the podcasts available to other Franklins.

The Digital Media Lab at the Library can provide you with the technical resources you need for this project:
http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/dml/main.html

You need to have selected a topic by Oct 16 and you need to have it approved by me.  This can be done by email.  In the email, I would like you to tell me two topics you considered, and why you chose the topic you did.  I also want you to tell me how you are going to take advantage of the podcast format.  (Or at least your preliminary ideas on this subject.)  How will this podcast be different from a paper that is read?   Also tell me whether you are planning this to be an audio only podcast, or if you are planning to use video.

I expect your podcast to demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills. As I grade your podcast, I will ask myself what value you have added to the project.  Is it a summary of materials available elsewhere?

Structured Analysis of the Problem–Due November 13
(This doesn’t need to be a formal paper–it can be just bullet points.)

What is the problem?
What are the technical aspects of the problem?  What are the social aspects of the problem?
Who are the social groups involved with this problem?  (Who are the people affected by the problem,  who are the people “charged” with solving this problem, etc.)
How has this problem been conceived thus far?
Are there new ways of conceiving it?
What are the technological components that are or are not present for solving this problem (the adjacent possible)?
This should include a bibliography.

I want you to embrace the possibilities of the format.  Do not think of this as a paper that you read aloud.  You should brainstorm with your cell about some of the ways you can take advantage of the format.  Some possibilities:

–incorporate student/popular opinion

–incorporate expert opinion

–incorporate sound/visuals

Every member of the group must make an equal contribution. Each member of the group will be asked to evaluate the group’s effectiveness in working together. Those who do not make their fair contributions to the group will be penalized.

Schedule

Oct 16 (End of Day) Selection of Topics–Submit Through Google Form

Nov 13-Structured Analysis Due –Submit Through Moodle (one per group)

Nov 25 Podcasts Due Before Beginning of Class

Please also upload it to this Google Drive site

Please complete this form evaluating the contributions of the members of your group.