Intro to Computational Media W eek 2: Properties of the Medium

1
Ted Nelson Computer Lib / Dream Machines

• LCC 2700 Intro to Computational Media

2
What are computers for?

• Controlled systems
• Impersonal tools for functionality
• Machines to perform work
• Centrally controlled

A personal device A medium for
expression Vessels for experience Independent
and Interconnected

3
Computation as a Medium(echoes of McLuhan)

• Continues the tradition of literature,
  scholarship, and freedom
• We live in media, as fish live in water
• But
• All electronic media are not alike (p. 306)
• Computers will be embraced everywhere
• Emotional expression

4
Computation as a Medium

• The use of computers to help people write, think
  and show. But I think presentation by computer is
  a branch of show biz and writing, not of
  psychology, engineering, or pedagogy

5
Computers can change our understanding of the
world

• Critique of formal education
• Items, sequences, dialog
• Teaching means anticipating and structure
  responses to common misunderstandings
• Teaching means maintaining the order of the
  educational system

6
Computers can change our understanding of the
world

• Computers offer the first real chance to let the
  human mind grow to its full potential
• Give the student control over knowledge
• Teach orientation and self-discovery
• Involvement over validation
• Optimism or naïveté?

7
Fantics

• The art and science of getting ideas across
• The importance of PRESENTATION
• The artful design of control systems
• Computers should be subservient to human needs,
  not structure them
• Prefigures HCI

8
Nelson the Visionary

• Hypermedia
• Hypertext
• Stretchtext
• Thinkertoys
• Xanadu