Initially I decided that I was taking DAI 227 basically as a filler class because it is not a requirement. While taking the class I began to realize that the information I learned was crucial because to be in an industry where digital media is everywhere it is key to know where it came from and its fundamentals.
I feel this way because we started out with learning about where the computer came from and it’s a device I had no idea of it’s history, despite using it everyday for every assignment and so much more. We learned about concepts that the computer took from areas I never would of though of such as avant garde concepts like cut and paste. Taking something from one environment and putting it into another. I also learned that during wars there is some good, huge technological advancements, such is the case with Colossus, the super computer created at Bletchley Park designed to decrypt German codes in England, arguably what saved the world from death camps and more air raids.
I also learned a lot about simulation whether it was in google sketchup, second life, or augmented reality. In google sketchup we learned how to create a faux world, and then cut and paste things we found in its library to create somewhat of a movie set. I have used computer automated design before but not with such fun attributes such as a Godzilla and the Moma in my own design. In second life, similar possibilities can be achieved however it is an online community like Facebook, however people can interact, build, earn an income, and have a great time. Augmented reality was something I was somewhat aware of but after reading a bit about it I learned just how amazing it is, with google maps that can be live, or automated cars that can show the driver facts about their surroundings or where to eat. We also looked at a remote control helicopter that can battle other helicopters but only in this virtual augmented reality.
We then went on to learned about video games, their history, and how they are related to theme parks, more importantly Disneyland. Like videogames , theme parks are devised so the user doesn’t have to reverse their path, there are objects called “weenies,” large landmarks that make the terrain more navigable. Ever since I was young I have lived on the coast, and I have always been able to use the ocean as a sort of “weenie,” for direction, or large hills such as Twin Peaks here in San Francisco.
I also learned a great deal about animation and special effects. This information was so interesting to me because I make films however have never been taught how to do so, and using simple special effects such as glass with a painting on it, a large projector with the set in front of it, or just special camera angles, are things I plan to use when making future films. Regarding animation we learned simple rule, twelve of them, that create simulated reality, these rules make things so much more tangible for the human eye, I like to think they are like the Gestalt principles of seeing that I learned about in my graphic design classes.
Overall I would recommend this class as being a requirement for DAI students. I enjoyed it and didn’t so much as look at it as a class but more as a media integrated talk regarding things I am very interested in. It was also great to be taught by someone who has actually been in the field for so long and worked on such relevant projects such as animation and augmented reality.
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