< Back to Events and Reports N.B. CADE will be producing a CD of papers from this conference. My overall impression of the current state of the scene is that having got over 'the shock of the new', educationalists are getting down to working through various experiments with 'models of good practice'. There were several workshops, for example, on using telematics for distance learning and collaboration over networks (Glasgow School of Art, University of Ulster, Ravensbourne). Richard Povall (Oberlin Conservatoire) made an interesting argument for 'postdisciplinary' education where cross-media practice is truly possible, despite modularisation leading in the opposite direction. There is considerable postgraduate research going on, across a wide range of practice from lens-based to textile-based technology. Unfortunately not many students seem to be using the Internet to communicate their research, so I don't have any links for this! Roy Stringer of Amaze Ltd. demonstrated his useful polyhedral approach to organising knowledge in non-linear ways for multimedia programmes (a bit complex to explain here - see the web site!) Another possibly useful bit of software is Colin Beardon's very simple and easy to use 3-D 'set making' software Visual Assistant, originally designed for theatre set students, but with possible useful applications for public art or installation art students. Interesting technical showcases included a basic rapid prototyping machine for about £35K (Laser Lines), and the University's 'hemispherium' for showing VR, which combined a real sense of immersion with the ability for about 20 (helmet-less) people to be able to share the experience at the same time. Interesting technology, but it seems that the facility is a commercial venture, and doesn't get used by students or for fine art purposes. Beryl Graham, April 1999. |
