The buddha Said I am Awake

OK guys – it’s Pecha Kucha Time!  I cannot wait for you to do these things.  The requirement is clear.  The rubric is simple.  The experience for all  involved could be really rich.  And you are the guinea pigs…so lets jump on the wheel and start running.

Presentations – Half the class on Wednesday May 14.  Half the class on Friday May 16.  Finish up on Monday May 19.

First – go here and take a look at all three descriptions of Pecha Kucha.  The first is a video on how to make one.  It’ll provide you some ideas and get you accustomed to the format.    The third youtube video is a college professor’s very clear and very simple screen cast on setting up your Powerpoint for the presentation.  The Powerpoint portion is easy.  The second video/post  is the one I think that will benefit you the most.  It’s by a guy from Chicago, involved in the online world, who loves Pecha Kucha and who has laid out a fabulously valuable little tool to work you through the assignment.  Read it all.  Watch the video.  It will help you tremendously. Continue reading →

Guys…you are high school seniors.  Next year, you’re going to college.  I’ve handed out this assignment for five years.  I know what is a good effort and what is not.  I’ve provided you clear guidelines and a reasonable rubric.

You’ve had plenty of time to put this thing together – and that doesn’t include time at home.  You have an entire nation state at your disposal.  DIG! Find out what makes that country tick.  What is interesting, historical, good, bad, or ugly about your chosen country?  And then hang it!  It’s gotta be up and swinging by the end of the day on Tuesday.  I’ll be there til 5:00 PM.

You are going to be required to follow this rubric.  I expect you to walk me through that timeline and answer every single question that I have – you may do so at anytime before or after school or during third period on Monday or Tuesday of this week.  And I will press you (both of you) for answers.  So, be prepared.

You will also be required to create a Pecha Kucha – 20 slides for 20 seconds – on that state, upon my return from Close Up.  You are going to really have to know your stuff.

I don’t mean any disrespect, but this is not a sixth grade “copy from the encyclopedia” book report on Dragonflies.  If you don’t know why you are placing something on that timeline, then don’t put it up there!  And if you put it up there, make sure that it deserves to be.  This is a nation state we are talking about.  Each has a long rich history.  I’ve asked you to concentrate on the twentieth and twenty first century.  All you got to do is read.   If I give you feedback on your first draft – don’t take it personally.  Learn from it and improve that final product.

Be organized.  Practice your presentation. The clock is a ticking.

…and Africa.  Go here for specifics on your Pecha Kucha Assignment on Africa.

Pecha Kucha, the Japanese term for the sound of conversation (“chit chat”) began in Tokyo, back in 2003. Conceived by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, their original goal was to create a space where designers could share their ideas/passions with others.  What these guys found was that people when they give public demonstrations talk to much, they aren’t organized, and consequently their message is lost in translation.

So, they came up with a format – 20 slides for 20 seconds – a presentation of 6:40 only.   They called it Pecha Kucha.  The idea spread around the world; presentations are live.  The idea is pretty cool.  I think it will work well for us here in our Exploration of Africa.

I’ve provided you three links.  The one above is a Pecha Kucha of how to do a Pecha Kucha.  Simple and informative. Please watch it.

As for the second link, I found this site “Guide to Making a Pecha Kucha” by Felix Jung to be the most informative.  Read the entire thing.  It will reinforce some of which is noted in the video above, but goes a little deeper in explaining Felix’s ideas on how to make a good creation.  It’s very user friendly.  When going through this site, you’ll notice at the end of the page you are sent to the next page…so follow the leader.  However, at the end after downloads, you’ll have to skip to videos up in the page section.  It doesn’t link up well and the video is important to watch.  It’s a Pecha Kucha by Felix.  Watch it live.  This is how a Pecha Kucha is presented.  He has however also provided it as a powerpoint with voice over so that you can better follow along.  Take a look.

Finally video number three helps you set up your Powerpoint to manually go about your creation.  Good to watch, before you place your slides.

Between the three videos, and Felix’s suggestions, I think you’ve got enough to move forward.  I expect this presentation style will serve you well in this class and for future use.  I think you’re going to learn a lot from the experience.  I will get back with you on  specific ideas and guidelines for Exploring Africa – the assigned topic for your first Pecha Kucha.