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

  • LACO: Interaction, Innovation and Music
    Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Meet the Music is a fun and engaging chamber music concert geared to students in grades four through six.(Photo courtesy of LACO, and used with permission.)

    Chamber music that reflects grade-school students' lives?   A classical program that's informal, nontraditional--and uses kids' creative input?

    That's exactly what Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents, in their free virtual educational concert, "Meet the Music".

    During isolation, "Meet the Music" offers a new opportunity for homeschooling parents and educators: to add music to the curriculum.

    It's also just one of LACO's  innovative approaches to making classical music accessible to everyone.

    On April 28th, LACO posted "Meet the Music" as a virtual on-demand concert, for fourth- to sixth-graders.

    This is not our parents' chamber music--or even ours, as we were growing up.
    A new accessibility
    Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Meet the Music is a fun and engaging chamber music concert geared to students in grades four through six.(Photo courtesy of LACO, and used with permission.)

    Recorded in Santa Monica in November, 2019, for an audience of elementary students, the program immediately gives the young audience a "feel" of informality.  The concert involves the students as active participants--in several different ways.

    And "Meet the Music" is just one of the free programs which LACO is currently offering, to introduce new audiences to their music.  Through their "LACO At Home" program, they offer in-demand concerts and visits with their various musical professionals.

    Ben Cadwallader is Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Executive Director.  His background includes both educational and musical innovation: prior to his current position, he took some exciting creative risks.  His goal: to take classical music "out of the concert hall" and bring it to wider audiences.  Ben's previous musical experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, as well as his time as Educational Director at Los Angeles Philharmonic.

    Ben talked about the ways "Meet the Music" engages young audiences, the other ways in which music can be used to teach S.T.E.A.M. concepts and the additional distance programs LACO is offering during the pandemic.  In addition, he explained how you can add your creative input to Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's future programming!
    On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

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    How Ben's own educational journey led him to make live concert music his life's work;

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    The mindset that enables him to create new educational programming and a new direction in unprecedented circumstances;

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    How"Meet the Music" personalizes music to their fourth- to sixth-grade audience;

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    What's coming up, as LACO moves forward with "Meet the Music";

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    An unexpected response to a recent live concert for elementary students;

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    Ben's perspective on STEAM, and how music can teach science and math;

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    A mini-physics lesson, based on music!;

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    What Ben's experience was like, in his new position at LACO (he started just before the pandemic forced Californians to isolate!)

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    What's inspiring him the most, creatively, during the pandemic;

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    How Ben is looking at personalizing music experiences for future audiences, based on "Meet the Music";

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    A creative "failure" that led to a future success, in his experience;

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    Some exciting ways in which future listeners can get inv...
    36 min
  • Makers Respond to COVID-19
    (Royalty-free image by Lutz Peter from Pixabay.)

    When the pandemic struck, Orlando's nonprofit Maker Effect Foundation had one question:

    "How can we help?"

    Their solution: creation of the Maker Effect COVID-19 Maker Response Team.

    And using their 3D printers, laser-cutting and various other skills, they're now making and delivering provide personal protective to healthcare professionals.

    Maker Effect Foundation is more than well-equipped for this task.

    Their mission is to amplify and activate the efforts of makers.  In normal times, carrying out that mision involves producing the annual Maker Faire Orlando, and hosting the MakerFX Makerspace Program.

    Today, they achieve that goal by coordinating and facilitating a response to the need for face masks, shields and other protective gear.

    "I know somebody who can make just about anything you can think of," says Maker Effect Foundation President Candy Cole.

    We caught up with Candy for a quick interview just before she delivered more masks to the Atlanta Fire Department.  Candy shared the story of the Maker Effect COVID-19 Maker Response Team and some of her experiences since they've begun.  She also offered resources, if you'd like to help!
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How Candy (and her family!) first became involved in the maker movement;

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    How the Maker Effect Foundation came to create their COVID-19 Maker Response Team;

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    What the Maker Effect COVID-19 Maker Response Team had already accomplished, at the time of our conversation;

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    How businesses (local and otherwise) stepped up to support them in their work;

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    What Candy's average workday is like, with the Maker Response Team;

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    A great link where you can get involved, no matter where you are geographically (and here it is!);

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    The maker lesson Candy especially values, from working with the Maker Response Team;

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    What current needs Candy expects will still be present, as time goes on;

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    What she has found especially inspiring, as the Maker Response Team has gone about their work.


     
    18 min
  • Evolving Through Immersion
    (Photograph courtesy of Amy Peck, and used with permission.)

     

    Can immersive technology allow us to create a better world?

    Amid the uncertainty of COVID-19, immersive technology strategist Michelle Excell sees, and guides others in, the ways that might happen.

    Michelle, who is the founder of hybrid consultancy and production collective The Antipodean, has been researching some of the new ways people immersive technologies can allow people to connect during quarantine.  These uses include creative collaboration, teaching, and social events.

    But they can also involve creation of new environments, imaginative gatherings and, possibly, even new opportunities in the virtual space.

    While Michelle shared some great resources and suggestions for growing and connecting with others through virtual platforms, we still had much more we could have covered!  Consequently, check out her article, "Covid as a Catalyst for Transformation", on LinkedIn.

    In Michelle's LinkedIn article, you'll find a list of the resources she shared during our conversation .  She also shares lots of additional suggestions for ways to use, and grow with, immersive technology in our current daily life.  Small business, interacting with grandparents, new and engaging events with friends AND ways to position your brand, are all areas she discusses.  And you'll also see a preview of her forthcoming new startup, VOIIJER!   (Since our conversation in 2019, she has co-founded both VOIIJER and another new startup, Quartet Agency!)
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How existing immersive technologies are getting new roles during the pandemic;

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    Some of the current resources for AR and VR which can be helpful for virtual collaboration;

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    How educators can use immersive technology for distance education;

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    How Michelle and her husband and friends used a virtual platform to create an imaginative social event;

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    Some great suggestions for learning and education (both for adult learning and keeping young students engaged);

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    How to use virtual platforms to combine immersive learning and social catch-up for everyone in the family;

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    The most powerful tool you can use, when starting to work with immersive technology, and a perspective to keep in mind;

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    Why immersive technology may create more value online for small businesses than in-person interactions;

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    How attitudes are currently changing, towards immersive technologies--and where we could go from there;

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    Some of the exciting new free AR tools;

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    A look at Michelle's two new startups, and what's currently happening at The Antipodean.

    42 min
  • Robots On the Front Lines


    Are robots ready for a widespread role in battling the coronavirus pandemic?

    Not quite yet, says Eugene Demaitre, senior editor of The Robot Report.   But they're evolving in that direction.

    Sanitizing, delivering, assisting medical professionals and even monitoring general health are among the tasks of which robots are currently capable.  And when the pandemic ends, we may very well see growing acceptance of robots' use in daily life.

    As discussed in our previous interview, Eugene sees robots as augmenting, rather than replacing, humans in the workforce.  With the new considerations of COVID-19 and social distancing, that augmentation could be especially beneficial.

    Eugene explained the various ways robots are being put to use against COVID-19, offered some resources for aspiring roboticists and shared some insights on the future, after the pandemic ends.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How robots are "on the front lines" in healthcare;

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    A closer look at the way a disinfection robot works, with UV light;

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    How robots allow for expansion of human capabilities, through telemedicine;

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    Some of the considerations involved in delivery applications;

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    Why food-handling automation may soon become more common;

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    Where we are, currently, with telepresence robots;

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    Eugene's recommendations for educational robotic resources;

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    What human skills will be most needed in the job market, after the crisis abates;

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    What drones are doing in China, in the health area;

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    Resources for open-source software and learning more about robotics while we're isolated;

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    How robotic capabilities are evolving to meet the needs of smaller businesses.

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    A look forward, at the lessons we may learn from the pandemic--and how robotics can support that vision.


    For more information on current robotics developments, check out The Robot Report, Robotics Business Review and Collaborative Robotics Trends.

    * The Robotics Summit and Expo is scheduled for September 24th and 25th, in Boston.  It's co-located with the Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum--check out these links for more information!
    39 min
  • Living Popups: AR That Inspires
    (Photograph courtesy of Ella Pravetz, and used with permission.)

    How can twenty-first century technology teach kids to love to read?

    Living Popups CEO Cheryl Bayer has an imaginative and entertaining answer.

    Her Santa Monica-based content platform/media company, Living Popups, has enhanced a beloved classic, The Boxcar Children, with augmented reality animations.  Currently, Living Popups has illustrated the first four books in the series with AR, with more to come.

    When young readers pick up one of these volumes, the four siblings pop up, through the magic of AR, on the cover or the page.  Throughout the story, they'll appear to interact, comment and ask questions.

    And during the coronavirus pandemic, Living Popups is offering free resources to teachers and homeschooling parents.

    They're also at work on an AR app geared towards mental health.  And middle-school classes can look forward to seeing more classic literature where characters come to life through augmented reality experiences.

    As covered in our 2018 interview, Living Popups is all about bringing stories to life.  Their previous apps have included museum experiences where "Leonardo da Vinci" talks about his work, and the world's first AR episodic series shown during a live event: VRLA 2018, in Lost Angeles.

    Cheryl talked about Living Popups' work, the experience of animating The Boxcar Children with augmented reality, and the ways Living Popups is helping educators and parents through the coronavirus pandemic.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How storytelling first captured Cheryl's imagination;

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    What Cheryl and her team are doing to help promote literacy through augmented reality;

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    How the AR app helps with reading retention;

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    What's available for teachers in underprivileged areas;

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    What Living Popups will have available for middle-school students in the future;

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    How teachers can take students on a "virtual field trip" to see the creative process;

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    How Living Popups is planning future lessons in geography and history through AR;

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    A preview of an upcoming mental-health AR app which will be available in the fall;

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    How Cheryl and her team made the 1924 classic book relevant to today's students;

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    Some of the reactions to the new AR apps;

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    Cheryl's vision for helping more teachers and students during the pandemic;

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    How to get involved and support her efforts, if you're in a position to help;

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    A preview of a new product, soon to be coming out for the pandemic;

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    What an average workday is like, for Cheryl and her animators;

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    A preview of some future AR projects.


     
    35 min
  • “On the Precipice of Disruption”


    "We will get through this," says futurist, XR consultant and Forbes columnist Charlie Fink.

    Charlie, who is currently writing his third book, sees the current coronavirus pandemic drastically changing our society.  And he sees XR--which is the subject of his book--as a central part of future life.

    However, he says, no one can predict the ways in which this will happen.

    He would certainly know.



    As discussed in our 2018 interview, Charlie's career involves exploring the ways in which technologies like augmented and virtual reality will shape our future.  When he gave the keynote speech during VRLA 2018, he had just introduced his first book, the AR-enabled "Charlie Fink's Metaverse," at CES 2018.

    Since then, Charlie has continued to take his readers on a journey into the future, with his 2019 book "Convergence: How the World Will Be Painted With Data".

    And his forthcoming book will be entitled "Remote Collaborations, Virtual Conferences: The End of Distance and the Future of Work."  His goal, he says, is to publish it by late May, in time for Augmented World Expo.

    Charlie talked about the ways he sees society currently changing, what XR is and where he sees the technology going, and why, against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    Why XR faces some obstacles in becoming widely used during the current pandemic;

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    What exactly is "XR", anyway?

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    Some of the best, currently-usable resources for XR during the pandemic;

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    Currently-usable XR apps for education and homeschooling;

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    A look at holographic storytelling and how it can facilitate memorization;

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    Some of the trends Charlie's seeing, for our future workplaces and classrooms;

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    A look forward, at the ways the world may change, following the pandemic;

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    A preview of Charlie's new book!;

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    A look at the arts, and how the pandemic may affect artists' use of the XR medium.

    33 min
  • Rumii: A Virtual Connection
    Royalty-free image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

    Rumii  is available, free, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Now--what is Rumii?  And why might you want to use it?

    Quite simply, it's a virtual-reality platform that allows up to forty people--from all over the world--to meet and interact in one virtual space.   Participants can collaborate on a project, look at objects in 3D and learn new skills.

    In other words, if you're teaching, working remotely or homeschooling, it might be a very helpful resource.

    Chance Glasco is co-founder and CCO of Doghead Simulations, the Seattle-based startup which created Rumii.  And Chance is no stranger to innovation.

    In 2002, he was one of the original co-founders of California-based startup Infinity Ward.   Infinity Ward introduced the world to legendary game franchise Call of Duty.   Chance ultimately wound up working as a senior animator on the groundbreaking series.

    After leaving Infinity Ward in 2014, Chance would go on to work as a gaming consultant--and to co-found Doghead Simulations in 2016.

    Chance talked about his background as a creative, his experiences developing Rumii and how participants can put it to use, in the areas of education and small business.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How Chance first became interested in virtual reality;

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    The story of the creation of Doghead Simulations (and Rumii, currently in version 2.0!)

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    How Chance decided to make Rumii available free of charge;

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    Ways in which Rumii can be helpful in homeschooling, presentations and collaboration;

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    One free resource Chance recommends, in addition to Rumii, for remote teams and educators;

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    What to expect, if you've never tried VR (and the ways to use Rumii if you don't have a headset);

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    How some of the newer virtual-reality programs restore the "human element" to interaction;

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    Some of the ways virtual reality is serving communities;

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    Why learning in VR can be more effective than reading and memorizing;

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    One pastor's unique use of virtual reality to serve his congregation;

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    Chance's vision for Rumii for the future.


     
    30 min
  • The Art of Real-World Solutions


    What is Design for Good in the Classroom?

    As artist, visual arts educator and designer Travis Sevilla teaches it, it's a project-based curriculum that makes a difference.

    Travis shows Canyon Crest Academy students, grades nine through twelve, how to start with design thinking.  Projects combine the STEAM disciplines--science, technology, engineering, art and math.  Under Travis's guidance,  his students use these skills to create a solution to a problem or a needed resource for a community.

    Past projects have included the Guanabara Bay Project,  and Everybody's Mobility.  For the Guanabara Bay Project, groups of students designed "superhero" characters to raise awareness of the problem of water pollution.  Everybody's Mobility, according to Travis's teacher website, challenged the students to create branding for a family-owned local company which creates mobility devices for a wide range of clients.

    And at California STEAM Symposium 2019, Travis was showing fellow educators how to implement Design for Good in the Classroom in their arts curricula.  His goal, he says, is to help more educators implement the program.

    We talked about Travis's work as both an educator and an artist, his favorite resources and some of the projects he and and his class have created.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How Travis first discovered his passion for art;

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     How he first became involved in teaching STEAM concepts in the course of his work as a visual-art teacher;

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    Some of the design projects through which he has guided his students;

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    One of the biggest challenges he and his class navigated--and one of his favorite triumphs;

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    His advice to fellow educators, on implementing a Design for Good in the Classroom curriculum;

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    Travis' recommendations for favorite resources for fellow educators;

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    How to support teachers and schools offering Design for Good in the Classroom curricula;

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    Where Travis would like to take his program next (and how fellow educators can find out more!);

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    A new forthcoming resource for educators (and a program to note, in the future!)

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    What Travis has been painting (and the story behind his unique series of paintings!)

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    Some of his favorite sources for "recharging" his creativity;

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    One of the best lessons Travis himself has learned (and shared with his students), over the past few years;


     
    28 min
  • The Ultimate Innovator Test
    Due to unforeseen technical issues, our regularly-scheduled Over Coffee® episode will air next Monday, March 16th at 12:01 am.  Please enjoy this repost of one of our all-time most popular interviews!
    What does it take, to be an astronaut?  Especially since NASA is currently accepting applications from candidates who would ultimately like to explore the Moon and Mars?  (Deadline: March 31, and here's the link for applications.)

    NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Army Colonel Douglas H. Wheelock can certainly offer some guidance in that department.

    "Space has lots of surprises for us," he says.

    In 2016, we had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Doug, as he prefers to be called, during NASA International Space Apps Challenge, in Pasadena.   Doug has flown twice aboard the International Space Station.  In total, he has spent more than 178 days in space, according to NASA's biography page.  And at the time we talked, he was training the new class of astronauts who had come into the program in 2013, and was looking forward to training another new class that would begin in 2017.

    Doug's own experience included more than 178 days in space.  In 2007, he served as a flight mission specialist on STS-120, the space shuttle's 23rd mission to the International Space Station.  And in 2010. he returned to the ISS as a flight engineer for Expedition 24, and commander of Expedition 25.

    Each time, he encountered an unforeseen issue.

    The first time, a solar panel malfunctioned, necessitating emergency repairs by the crew.

    And the second time was much more dramatic.

    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--and their repair of the Space Station's technology, won numerous innovation awards in the process.

    Here is our interview with Doug, from 2016 NASA International Space Apps Pasadena.
    On this episode of Over Coffee®, you’ll hear:

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    How Doug first became interested in aviation and space travel;

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

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    What an average day is like, aboard the ISS;

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

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

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

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

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

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    Doug’s advice for innovators.


     

     
    26 min
  • STEAM: the Hockey Approach


    On March 9, 2020, 16,000 students will experience a field trip they'll never forget.

    Their hosts: the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club.  And the field trip is the Ducks' unique "First Flight Field Trip".

    As part of the Ducks' free S.C.O.R.E. program, the students, grades 3-6, will be visiting the Honda Center.   In the context of hockey, they'll be learning science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts.

    Since 2005, the Ducks have offered this award-winning educational initiative to local schools.  S.C.O.R.E. stands for "Scholastic Curriculum of Recreation and Education".  And the "First Flight Field Trip" is an initiative of the Ducks' In-Class Education Program.

    Annually, the Ducks come up with a hockey-related theme for the "First Flight Field Trip".  This year's is "Light the Lamp", in which students will be exploring electrical circuits and creative ways to design a red goal light.

    Jason Cooper (right) with fellow Anaheim Ducks Fan Development Marketing Manager Molly Schaus and Fan Development Marketing Coordinator Gabriel Alamillo during the 2018 California STEAM Symposium.

    Jason Cooper is the Anaheim Ducks' Manager of Fan Development Marketing.  In a 2019 episode of Over Coffee®, we talked about the S.C.O.R.E. program and some of its other initiatives, including the "Reading is the Goal" program.

    And for this 2020 update, Jason offered a closer look at the "First Flight Field Trip"!  He offered a preview of what will be happening at Honda Center on March 9th, took us behind the scenes for a look at the preparations, and even previewed the 2021 field trip (for which, if you're a teacher or other education professional, you're invited to contact the S.C.O.R.E. program NOW!  They book up early and have a waitlist, starting in August).

    The Anaheim Ducks' Zamboni machine, on display during California STEAM Symposium 2019.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    What first inspired Jason, in his own STEAM education journey;

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    What students can expect to encounter, when they attend this year's First Flight Field Trip;

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    How educators who can't bring their classes on this year's filled-to-capacity field trip can get on the list for the 2021 excursion;

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    How the community provided resources to support this year's First Flight Field Trip;

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    And, a "sneak preview" of the 2021 trip, plus an explanation of the theme!;

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    How to get involved, if you'd like to volunteer to help inspire the next generation;

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    One of the best creative challenges involved in planning this year's field trip;

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    What last year's "Build a Better Puck" field trip challenge was like for Jason, the students--and the Ducks

    27 min

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

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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…