Class Response 9/27

I thought today, although not quite organized, was a lot of fun and super silly. I am enjoying this class more and more, which I wasn't sure was possible. Like I've mentioned, I really appreciate the freedom you give us to do whatever, Beth. Clearly the stories in class signify this. I was glad I not only got to present my experiment, but I was ready and not nervously waiting in anticipation as I usually am with standing in front of a large group of people. It is refreshing to be at such a level of comfort within a class. I've only really felt the same in one other class, P350 with Lewis. I can't wait to see the rest of the projects next week!

Expected Reaction of Experiment

I think at least one person will jump or be startled from my experiment, if not be slightly hesitant to perform the task.

Response to 9/20

I am an animal lover, so of course I enjoyed that you allowed Jake to bring in Gizmo. Although distracting, he was a wonderful addition to our class and oh-so-adorable. I really enjoyed the conversation we had about fear as people shared their personal fears and experiences with fear. If a spider that huge ever let himself down that close in front of ME, I'd certainly wreck. In fact I just might have a nervous break-down because I hate them. I myself am not deathly afraid of open water, but it makes me uneasy because I've almost drowned before. I was nine at a friend's lakehouse and we were kneeboarding. Somehow I got flipped upsidedown and the board was pushing my head down into the water and I could not manage to flip myself back over so that I could take a breath. Most of the people that shared their inventions of a new sense had thought them out well. It was interesting to see what people came up with because when the assignment was first presented, I was at a loss as to what sense I could create that wasn't too much like the five we already posess.

I Sense A Change

Although most people in general have instincts, and they say in particular that women tend to have certain instincts, my idea of an additional sense would be the actual sense of instinct. In fact I think all of the five current senses could essentially support this sense or pinpoint it, but it would be a separate sense. At appropriate times, it would be helpful if you could heighten this sense, perhaps moments when you must make a big decision or possibly when you sense danger. I thought maybe even getting goosebumps or your hair standing up could be two things that could trigger your sense of instinct, which are characteristics belonging to the sense of touch. Another trigger could be confusion or indecisiveness. These triggers could ultimately trip the main reaction, which could be an electrical current from your skin to your brain or just within your brain that you would control involuntarily, like breathing depending on the degree of instinct necessary for the situation.

Re-experiencing Walking Backwards

Walking backwards in a way makes you utilize your other senses a bit more because your eyes can only help you so much. You can see what you are passing, but not what you are approaching. Depending on your location, it can be exciting, annoying, or make you uneasy. When I experimented with it, I was mainly worried about running into someone or something. I practiced around campus, of course not near stairs as directed.

Inspiration: At a Park

I chose to visit a park for this assignment, Broad Ripple Park to be specific. While there I noticed the shelter nearby where I set up my blanket. Generally from my previous experiences there, people use the picnic tables for reunions, parties, and just basically to meet. Occasionally there is live music played on a stage under the shelter. I've seen a few jazz performances myself. I thought it would be interesting to add a giant HD 3D screen that could be lowered over one of the sides of the shelter. Park patrons could use it for video gaming, possibly Wii, concerts (electronic ones would be appropriate for the 3D aspect), or anything related.

Reaction to AVL

I was utterly amazed after touring the AVL lab. I expected to see neat things, but really had no idea our school was so advanced technologically. The most amazing thing for me was the giant 3D submersive game. I could have played it for hours, although I'm sure I would have had an awful headache afterward. It's crazy how so many things are available and becoming available in 3D. The giant computer screen was also awesome.What is even cooler about all of the things we got to see is that most of them are available to us as IUPUI students as long as it relates to a class or project. I am very much looking forward to my next visit, although I am unsure of when it may be. Most likely during this semester, however. Thanks, Beth for taking us to see such amazing things!