Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

By Dot Cannon: Public Speaker & New-Media ReporterSociety & CultureEducationArts
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Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak episodes

  • “The Key to All Teaching”





    Sooner or later, you'll be teaching.



    Even if you'd never consider yourself a teacher.



    So, how do you teach a work procedure, a concept or an actual workshop or class so that your listeners stay engaged? Especially if you're delivering your message virtually?



    Award-winning teacher Dr. Mark Johnson has the answer to that question.



    Dr. Johnson teaches in numerous settings. He's taught at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, for just over thirty-six years. During that time, he's also served as a training and development consultant for the apprenticeship industry.



    In addition, he's served as a training consultant for trade organizations including the International Alliance of Stage and Technical Employees Trust Fund. He also teaches an online MBA program in Human Resources. Not to mention youth leadership courses.



    Oh, and he has a great TEDx talk about education: "Generation WHY?". In this presentation, he pinpoints a fundamental, and ongoing, error he sees educators making as they teach classes.



    Dr. Johnson talked about his experiences as a teacher, explained what makes a class compelling regardless of the subject, and offered some guidance on making your next online presentation a successful experience for you and your students.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * What first sparked Dr. Johnson's passion for teaching;



    * How he first discovered "learning latency", which he explores in his TEDx talk;



    * An exercise illustrating this concept;



    * How Dr. Johnson avoids this problem when teaching his students;



    * How to make this principle work for online presentations;



    * The key to success, in any teaching situation;



    * What entertainers' expertise can mean for educators;



    * How to bring "dry" subject matter to life;



    * Dr. Johnson's recommendations for effective use of an online presentation tool;



    * One of the most valuable lessons which he learned, about leadership, from his years as a leader;



    * How to get students past the "intimidation factor" when they're learning something new;



    * How to guide students so their skills remain relevant in a changing world.




















































    39 min
  • Creativity: Now, Here





    NOWHERE Co-Founder and Managing Director Ana Constantino refused to let the pandemic sideline her--or the creative community she serves.



    Ana, who is the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of New York artistic collective The Windmill Factory, was bored and frustrated with isolation. So, in March 2020, she and her creative team began brainstorming ideas.



    The result: NOWHERE, a unique social-media platform for live events. Visitors can experience (and host!) music video premieres, workshops, festivals, scavenger hunts, art exhibits--all in 3D.



    But NOWHERE is a very different virtual experience from any others we've seen.



    Visitors travel through the stars to multiple surreal worlds. Portals can take you to a futuristic theatre with white strip lights and a backstage area. Or to a circular gallery among the clouds, where art hangs in space and you balance up a virtual ramp to see additional works. Or even to "6th Boro", where you stand on a sleek wooden platform in the sky, with all of New York spread out below you.



    Besides that, the platform merges its beautiful 3D environments with video chat!



    Participation in this new platform is free--and you are cordially invited to come see what it's about, AND to host your own events for up to fifty people.



    Plus--if you're a 3D modeler, you have another opportunity.



    NOWHERE is hosting a worldbuilding competition for 3D modelers! The deadline's May 31--here's their link for information. UPDATE--as of May 27, they've announced they're extending the entry deadline--to June 10th!



    Ana shared her experiences with NOWHERE, explained what visitors can experience and discussed the ways new participants can get involved.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * Ana's previous experiences as a creative professional at the intersection of art, media and technology;



    * How she and her collaborators came to create NOWHERE;



    * The reasons behind the name;



    * How to share content and participate in live experiences in NOWHERE;



    * The platform's intellectual property requirements;



    * Upcoming live events in NOWHERE;



    * A closer look at that worldbuilding competition!;



    * Ana's recommendation of a favorite resource for creating 3D worlds;



    * One her most fun creative experiences, since launching NOWHERE;



    * A closer look at some of NOWHERE's virtual worlds;



    * Ana's advice on creating compelling 3D worlds.








































    20 min
  • Troubleshooting in Space

    Due to a family emergency, we will be posting our regularly-scheduled Over Coffee® episode later this week. Meanwhile, please enjoy this reposting of one of our all-time-favorite episodes!







    Imagine that you're at work. You're performing a routine task with technology. Suddenly, everything stops working. And your co-workers all come out and ask, "What did you do?"



    That's bad enough. But now--imagine that this happens to you aboard the International Space Station. And it's up to you to fix everything. Otherwise, your life--and those of your team--will be at risk.



    That's what happened to NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Army Colonel Douglas H. Wheelock.



    When this happened, during Doug's time as a flight engineer for Expedition 24, and commander of Expedition 25, he was no stranger to troubleshooting in space.



    Doug Wheelock at Space Apps Pasadena, 2016.



    Serving as a flight mission specialist on STS-120, the space shuttle’s 23rd mission to the International Space Station During that mission, Doug worked with the crew on emergency repairs after one of the solar panels malfunctioned.



    What would be the odds of a second, more critical incident during Doug's next ISS flight?



    Perhaps it's best summed up in one of Doug's comments: "Space has lots of surprises for us."



    And it certainly did.



    During this 2010 expedition, the spacecraft went into “survival” mode, shutting down half the ISS’ external-cooling system.   Doug and his team were able to innovate against the clock. In the process, their repair of the Space Station’s technology won numerous innovation awards.



    Here is our interview with Doug, from 2016 NASA International Space Apps Pasadena.



    On this episode of Over Coffee®, we cover:



    * How Doug first became interested in aviation and space travel;



    * What Doug tells the astronauts he trains, about efficient  spacewalking;



    * What an average day is like, aboard the ISS;



    * How Doug spent his leisure time, aboard the International Space Station;



    * How the crew manages “crew sleep”, with a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes;



    * The procedures NASA astronauts are trained to observe, after an emergency alarm;



    * Doug’s recollections of his experience in 2010, when half the ISS’ cooling system shut down;



    * Some of the innovations Doug saw teams coming up with, at 2016 International Space Apps Pasadena;



    * Doug’s advice for innovators.







    The 2022 NASA Space Apps Challenge dates have been announced: October 1-2, 2022! We'll give you more information as it becomes available. And no, we are not, in any way, shape or form, affiliated with nor endorsed by NASA. We just think this is a very cool event!
































    26 min
  • Towards Our Future Planet

    An Over Coffee® special-edition podcast!







    For San Jose's Tech Interactive Museum, this summer will be especially exciting--and interactive.



    That's because Summer 2022 marks the first summer their "Solve for Earth" exhibit is open!



    "The Tech" has always been highly interactive.



    Visitors can assemble robots, get hands-on in maker workshops and conduct chemistry experiments. And these are just three features of the museum with the mission of "inspiring the innovator in everyone".



    But "Solve for Earth" takes that interactivity and innovation several steps further.



    The exhibit encompasses 5,000 square feet, took five years to build--and will be constantly evolving. That's because "Solve for Earth" challenges visitors to problem solve a current issue: climate change.



    In other words, it asks each visitor to take action after going through the various displays.







    But don't expect to be lectured. This exhibit is designed to be fun! And it's going to spark a lot of new ideas.



    "Solve for Earth" opened to the public in November 2021. Shortly thereafter, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Michelle Maranowski, Lead Exhibit and Content Developer of "Solve for Earth"



    Michelle, who is both an electrical engineer and a creative professional, shared the story of this unique exhibit offered a mini-tour of what people will see and explained how everyone, on-site or virtually, can continue the conversation as a community working to combat climate change.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * How Michelle first came up with the concept of “Solve for Earth”;



    * Her journey, from there, in creating this landmark exhibit;



    * Michelle’s recommendations on sharing information about climate change;



    * What you’ll see, as you experience “Solve for Earth”;



    * An Easter egg to look for (and there are others!;



    * Some exciting new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions;



    * How the Eco Challenge encourages attendees to continue to take action after they’ve left The Tech;



    * A look at the virtual resources included in “Solve for Earth”;



    * The core concept at the heart of the exhibit;



    * One of the best creative challenges which Michelle experienced, while designing the exhibits;



    * The ways in which she’d like to see “Solve for Earth” evolve, in the future.








































    25 min
  • Mothers of Innovation

    An Over Coffee® special presentation







    As we celebrate Mother's Day 2022, Over Coffee® would like to salute three amazing innovators--who are also moms.



    Coding, XR and fun



    STEM advocate, TEDx speaker and TechPlayzone Founder/CEO Deshjuana Bagley (upper left) is a computer scientist.



    And her sons' interest in robotics would ultimately give her the inspiration for her Tampa Bay area-based educational program.



    With TechPlayzone, Desh teaches students robotics, coding and immersive technology. Many of her classes happen in the metaverse--and if they sound like a lot of fun, that's the idea! Often, Desh says, her young robotics enthusiasts think they're just having fun, creating robots and building their own worlds in the metaverse. But they're learning an invaluable skill--how to create, rather than consume, technology.



    An engineer's unique journey



    Engineer, venture capitalist and community leader Noramay Cadena (center) has a unique story.



    When she attended MIT, Noramay took her toddler daughter with her. And yes, she says, those circumstances were as challenging as they sound.



    But she prevailed, ultimately earning three MIT degrees--two in engineering and one in business.



    Today, Noramay combines those areas of expertise in her career. A managing partner of Supply Change Capital, in Los Angeles, she works with early-stage sustainable businesses at the intersection of food, culture, and technology.



    New worlds plus robotics



    Initially, says Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center Associate Director Jill Zande, the idea of virtual reality wasn't one about which she was enthusiastic.



    But Jill, who is also both the President and Executive Director of nonprofit MATE Innovation for Inspiration, and the founder of MATE's annual student underwater robotics competition, became a convert.



    The 2020 pandemic had forced the cancellation of the annual ROV competition. Now, Jill and her team were looking for ways to innovate, and include student teams worldwide, as the underwater robotics competition returned in 2021.



    Attending a workshop hosted by MATE partner, the National Center for Autonomous Technologies, she saw the ways VR could allow MATE to accomplish these goals.



    Jill and her staff brought the ROV competition back with three components, which included a five-location virtual world! The event was highly successful, and the MATE VR World will also be a part of this year's upcoming MATE World Championship, happening June 23rd through 25th!



    And as a mom, Jill says she is watching her daughter explore future career options and apply the skills learned while watching her mother lead, and serve, these global events.



    Happy Mother's Day to Noramay, Desh, and Jill--and to all moms!
    20 min
  • “A Powerful Force for Good”





    Imagine the following scenario.



    You're designing a virtual reality experience. Your work needs to be top-notch, transcendent and inspiring. You're creating it to make a huge difference in someone's life, amid stressful circumstances.



    And your project must be ready for viewing, ten weeks from today.



    That's exactly what multiple award-winning new-media artist and VR evangelist Teri Yarbrow has been doing, with her "VR for Good" class at Savannah College of Art and Design.



    Working in collaboration with Hospice of Savannah, Teri and her students design virtual reality experiences for patients in both hospice and palliative care.



    Teri is the founder and creative director of MagikaVRX in Savannah, as well as the co-founder and creative director of design company Magika. She is also Professor of Digital Media and Immersive Reality at SCAD. And observations from her immersive-media students were the genesis of her "VR for Good" class, which Teri implemented in 2020.



    And they did it all in Zoom, for that first class.



    Collaboration and inspiration



    With the pandemic forcing them to work remotely, Teri and her students first researched what patients would most like to experience.



    Then, they designed three different VR projects.



    Their work gave patients the opportunity to travel to locations they'd said they'd like to experience, but were physically no longer able to do so. Patients (and some of their family members and caregivers) put on a headset and had the opportunity for an adventure that brought them joy--and peace.



    "I felt like technology could be such a powerful force for good," Teri says, recalling one pivotal moment during the creative process.



    Currently, Teri is in her third year of teaching her "VR for Good" class. She and her students will shortly wrap up the semester by taking their new, and breathtaking, experiences to patients and their families.



    Teri shared the story of her VR for Good class, offered a closer look at some of the experiences her students have created and shared her vision for what's next.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * How Teri first became aware of virtual reality as a creative medium;



    * How her VR for Good class came about;



    * What students will be doing, as the ten-week session starts;



    * Teri's most memorable experience, from teaching "VR for Good" for the first time;



    * One patient's response to one of the experiences the class produced;



    * A look at the projects which the current class is developing;



    * Some of the creative lessions Teri learned from teaching her new class;



    * How she'd most like to expand the work of her VR for Good class in the future.








    30 min
  • Creativity, Fun and the Future





    For educator, STEM advocate, entrepreneur and TechPlayzone Founder/CEO Deshjuana Bagley, innovation started with a question.



    "How can I help my sons see that science, technology, engineering and math relate to their lives--and are really cool?"



    Desh, a computer scientist, began researching. Ultimately, her answer culminated in the 2005 opening of her Tampa Bay-based educational program.



    But maybe "educational program" doesn't quite do it justice.



    TechPlayzone offers young students workshops in robotics, coding, engineering and design skills. Staffers either bring equipment to onsite locations to conduct classes, according to TechPlayzone's website, or teach in virtual space.



    This past December, TechPlayzone hosted a three-day "Winter Tech Camp" in virtual reality. Students, from second to sixth grade, built their own virtual worlds.



    And as an educator, Desh is making technology less intimidating for everyone.



    Among her many roles is that of Director at State College of Florida Coding Academy. She is also active in XR Women, and hosts professional-development workshops, through TechPlayzone, for educators, nonprofit organizations and Fortune 500 companies.



    Starting point: creativity



    In her TEDx talk, Desh explains her teaching approach to emerging technology.



    Today's schools, she explains, challenge students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills. But traditionally, teachers just cover the basics, when introducing new technology. Students in a more traditional educational setting learn "how it works"--and that's it.



    But Desh starts with a creative mindset.



    Students, she says, find the basics "easy". From there, she takes her young clients through the process of using that technology to create something fun. The children think they're "playing'--even as they learn critical skills for their future.



    Meanwhile, Desh's own creative projects include her recent Black History Month museum exhibit in virtual reality, through Virbela! Spotlighting African-American artists, computer scientists and authors, she uses VR to share aspects of history which many of us never knew.



    Desh talked about her experiences with TechPlayzone, shared some favorite resources for arts professionals in the STEM area, and offered an exciting look at what's next!



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * How Desh first became engaged in computer science and robotics;



    * The story of TechPlayzone;



    * Desh's memories of the early days of her unique program;



    * What she's doing to engage students in creating with technology, versus the traditional approach in which schools teach tech;



    * How teachers can get around the "intimidation factor" and make technology work in their curricula;



    * What can work best for educators in arts disciplines;



    * Some of the digital resources that can be most helpful in the arts;



    * A closer look at the classes offered at State College of Florida' Coding Academy (these are available online!);



    * Desh's experiences creating her Black History Month exhibit in Virbela (the exhibit is still available,
    36 min
  • XR for the World

    (Photo courtesy of Dr. Colleen Bielitz, and used with permission.)



    Everyone needs to have a voice in XR, says futurist Dr. Colleen Bielitz.



    And that's exactly what her work is all about.



    Colleen is Associate Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives and Outreach at Southern Connecticut State University. Her additional professional credentials include: entrepreneur, blue economy pioneer, tech evangelist,, and XR researcher.



    Among her innovations is Project Blue, an initiative towards creating a tech transfer, innovation hub and Blue Economy research in New Haven, Connecticut.



    Another of Colleen's projects: the upcoming launch of I Am XR. I Am XR's mission: representation for all, in the metaverse.



    And Colleen, who recently became Co-Chair of the VRARA Education Committee, is also on the board of XR Women--the global collective of women in augmented and virtual reality.



    Colleen discussed the areas in which she'd like to expand education and VR for good in the future, offered some favorite resources for newcomers, and issued some exciting challenges for anyone who'd like to innovate in the metaverse.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * How technology first captured Colleen's imagination, as an area in which to use her talents;



    * A definition of XR;



    * Free resources and platforms for beginners;



    * What immersive technology can mean to artists;



    * The directions in which Colleen would like to take XR education in the future;



    * Some of the dangers of this new immersive "world";



    * Safeguards that could help users avoid those dangers;



    * The current implicit bias behind the looks of avatars;



    * Some of Colleen's most exciting experiences, both with VR applications and during her workdays;



    * A closer look at Project Blue, and a preview of the next chapter;



    * An update on I Am XR;



    * Two challenges to innovators in the metaverse;



    * Some exciting applications for users with disabilities;



    * One of the areas that Colleen sees as requiring considerably more work, towards a metaverse that welcomes everyone.




















    35 min
  • “We Could Probably…”

    Over Coffee® is on Easter-week hiatus. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes, so far, of 2022!







    "We could probably go to Mars."



    At the start of his teaching career, Javier Montiel made that statement. His goal was to create space science lessons to spark his students' interest.



    But he had no idea he was embarking on a career odyssey.



    Today, Javier is a multiple-award-winning global educator who designs lessons for NASA. A bilingual education professional, he is the Co-Founder of Houston-based International Aerospace Academy. His mission is to empower students--and communities--through world-class hands-on experiences.



    And the students he inspires include those in Texas’ Brazosport Independent School District. where he teaches, in Latin America, and worldwide.



    Virtual reality, XR and 3D printing are just three of the means Javier uses to engage students in learning.



    Inspired by Artemis



    In 2021, Javier and his International Aerospace Academy team implemented the NASA SPARX pilot program, in collaboration with nonprofit Aviation Youth Mentoring Program. With three hundred students from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and the U.S. working remotely, this was the only version of this initiative to involve students both in the United States and internationally.



    Students collaborated on projects based on NASA's Artemis program, creating space habitats and developing robots in XR. Their work involved sketching, design and programming, plus working with mentors from NASA and Cuernavaca’s Tecnológico de Monterrey campus.







    Javier's work as a twenty-first century global education innovator continues, with new initiatives to involve larger numbers of students in Latin American countries and elsewhere in the very near future. Meanwhile, he invites educators, parents and students from around the world to get a look at the frameworks which International Aerospace Academy offers, for developing their own innovative programs!



    Javier talked about the catalyst for his career as an innovator, shared the story of his work with NASA and offered a look at International Aerospace Academy’s current programs.



    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:



    * How a student’s chance remark led Javier to begin creating hands-on education innovations;



    * His early experiences, developing lessons for NASA;



    * How he began developing educational materials for international students;



    * A fun story about the differences in the ways Japanese students approached lessons on space, during their first visit to the U.S., as opposed to their American counterparts;



    * How Javier and his teacher team came to implement the NASA SPARX program in different countries outside of the United States;



    * A look at students' robotic creations in XR;



    * How Javier first became involved in using VR in education;



    * One student’s ingenious creation, starting from scratch with the XR robot design;



    * A closer look at the NASA SPARX program and what may be coming;



    * One of the most important lessons which Javier considers that he learned from the NASA SPARX program;



    * How you can support (and get involved with) the International Aerospace Academy!;



    40 min
  • Art, Introspection and VR





    How would you describe the person you are? And how do you "reflect" your personality, digitally?



    Those are the questions which Minneapolis-based immersive art experience "Quantum Mirror" explores.



    Quantum Mirror, an interactive art installation, by new-media artist Adrian Stein, is a complex infinity room which has been described as "mind-bending". It explores the ways we express aspects of ourselves while asking: where does the line blur, between us, as humans, and our technology?



    Thought-provoking, transcendent and "trippy" are all adjectives which visitors have used to describe it.



    And Matt Foreman might describe Quantum Mirror as "creatively inspiring".



    Matt is the Lead Developer at REM5 Virtual Reality Lab and REM5 Studios--Minneapolis' premier virtual reality lab and event space. REM5 specializes in introducing newcomers to virtual reality, as well as utilizing VR to revolutionize education.



    Once he saw Adrian's work, he knew he wanted to create virtual-reality content, to accompany the installation.



    Working under direction from both Adrian and the REM5 VR team, Matt designed a virtual-reality introductory experience called "Quantum Mirror VR'. Visitors interact with an alternate world which prepares them for their Quantum Mirror experience, prior to entering Adrian's infinity room installation.



    Matt had one month to create this "Quantum Mirror VR" component, before the Quantum Mirror installation opened to the public at REM5 Studios.



    Matt talked about his creative journey, shared some of his lessons learned (which would apply to any creative project!), and offered a look at what's next.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:



    * How Matt first discovered his passion for creating virtual reality;



    * The story behind his creation of Quantum Mirror VR;



    * A "no-spoilers" look at what visitors can expect to experience in Quantum Mirror VR;



    * Where Matt and the REM5 VR team might like to see Quantum Mirror VR expand, in the future;



    * Matt's creative journey, developing this VR experience;



    * Takeaways for fellow creatives who are bringing a large project to life with limited time (VR or otherwise!);



    * The most fun Matt had, during this creative process;



    * His favorite memories of the day the Quantum Mirror VR application launched in tandem with Quantum Mirror at REM5 VR Lab;



    * A great creative lesson, from that day!;



    * Matt's favorite "user reaction" from anyone experiencing Quantum Mirror VR;



    * A closer look at what REM5 VR is doing with REM5 for Good;



    * Resources for anyone who'd like to start developing virtual reality applications;



    * What's next, for REM5 VR.



    Going to be in the Minneapolis area, now or in the near future? Plan on checking out "Quantum Mirror" at REM5 VR Lab. By popular demand, the exhibit has been extended through May 28, 2022.












    27 min

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Would you like to know more about the art of twenty-first century "cool stuff" that's changing our world? Such as: robots, space exploration, new media, wearable technology and other innovations that…