IOCT - Zoe's Blog

July already?!

2009-07-09T15:56:00.003+01:00

Again, it's been some time since my last post. Well, what can I say? I'm very busy.

Recent events:
24 June = Many Voices Conference, De Montfort University
26 June = Social Media: Uses and Abuses Conference #uanda, University of Leicester
01-02 July = Interrogations: Creative Interdisciplinarity in Art & Design Research Conference, Loughborough University
07 July = Vitae Midlands Regional Poster Competition, University of Nottingham

Looking forward to getting my head into some research.

Oh, and I'm now on Twitter, please find me at: http://twitter.com/ioct_zoe

Formally reviewed

2009-06-08T17:03:00.001+01:00

It's been some time since my last post, I put this down to being very busy.

Last week I had my Formal Review (like an Annual Review, but they call the first one a Formal Review). It went well and brought up some interesting points to think about.

I'm currently working on a range of things. The literature review continues (and will continue for some time yet, as guided by my case studies), I'm developing a conceptual framework, on which to base my methodologies and also doing things like finalising my poster for the regional competition, preparing my presentation for a conference and writing another conference paper.

And the winner is...

2009-04-28T10:23:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday (22nd April 2009) was the De Montfort University Research Degree Students' Poster Competition and Research Showcase event.

I had entered a poster and so got there ready to present my Poster and Research to a panel of judges and other interested parties.

At the end of the day the results were announced, and as you can imagine I was very pleased when I was awarded first place!

This means that I will now go on to the Regional Finals with the top-five poster winners from DMU.

Transdisciplinary texts

2009-04-16T22:15:00.002+01:00

It's been a busy couple of days since the Easter holidays. I've found lots of papers about transdisciplinarity and am working my way through reading (and understanding) them.

Duck tales

2009-04-08T15:54:00.000+01:00

I've had confirmation that my research has been ethically approved.

I'm currently working on a conference paper and wondering how best to record IOCT Duck's travels. IOCT Duck has just returned from Los Angeles, thanks to Ben, and there are some great photographs.

Signed, sealed, delivered

2009-03-30T17:09:00.004+01:00

The registration document is in!

It's been completed, checked, signed and handed over to the Research Office. I should know by the end of the week if my ethics form was OK and if I've got ethical approval for the research.

So, it's on with the research and the writing. I'm working on interdisciplinarity and discipline boundaries at the moment.

And so it continues...

2009-03-24T16:13:00.000Z

The registration document continues.

I've finished my poster and submitted it for the competition. People are coming to support me and it on the day, so that's really good.

My research has recently focused on interdisciplinarity and disciplne boundaries, as I'm writing a paper on this for a conference.

Variety is the spice of life

2009-03-12T16:42:00.004Z

This week has included a lot of variety. I've been working on my Registration document, conference paper, general research and organising TECH1001, the module I'm a Part-Time Lecturer on.

The week started with a course in Microsoft PowerPoint. I managed to get through the work in half a day, so got on with some research in the afternoon.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was nicely varied; taught in the morning, went to Special Olympics Roadshow to get information about volunteering, lunch, watched a Flash Mob outside the Campus Centre, went to the library with Motje to give feedback about the new research students only rooms, ammended Registration document, went to watch Ben in the BCS Competition, and woohoo, Ben won! Obviously Ben's success required a celebration, so there was a visit to Level 1 for a quick drink.

Today (Thursday) I've been working on my poster and conference paper.

Election Fever

2009-03-06T14:54:00.002Z

I've just returned from the Announcement of Election Results in Level 1, the Student's Union. Ben and I had gone to Level 1 to hear the results.

Good news, I have been elected as the Postgraduate/Research Student Officer 2009-2010! A huge thank you to all those who voted for me, I really appreciate it.

My term of office starts on the 1st of July, 2009. I'm looking forward to it, it will be good to feel part of the Students Union and that I'm doing my bit. I'm also looking forward to working with the next Executive team and Union staff.

The big question, the PhD question

2009-03-04T16:07:00.001Z

I've spent the last couple of days pondering and puzzling over my PhD question. My registration document is due in soon and I need to decide on a question that will keep me entertained for the remainder of my PhD studies, as well as being of PhD quality.

I have been thinking about a question for a while and had written down some ideas. I had a meeting with my second supervisor on Monday, which was very beneficial and got me thinking about the question from a different perspective.

So, going from having very few ideas, I've currently got a list of approximately 30 questions. I've narrowed this down and have sent some to my first supervisor, for us to discuss at our meeting tomorrow.

The search for the question continues.

First conference paper accepted

2009-03-02T13:06:00.001Z

Great news! The first conference paper abstract I have submitted has been accepted. The title of the paper is "The role of discipline boundaries in transdisciplinary research". The conference is "Interrogations - Creative Interdisciplinary in Art and Design Research Conference", to be held at Loughborough University, 1st and 2nd July 2009.

This is really good news as it means my work will be peer-reviewed, a key part of the PhD. So now, I have to put the paper together and produce a PowerPoint to accompany my 20 minute presentation.

Running and Voting

2009-02-26T17:58:00.003Z

I'm running for Postgraduate/Research Student Officer in the DSU elections.

Campaigning started yesterday (Wednesday) at 12pm, so I can now officially tell people what post I'm going for. If elected (fingers crossed) I'll be the postgraduate and research student representation at Union level. It's a part-time role and will allow me to continue with my studies.

For anyone reading who is a DMU student and wants to know more (and hopefully) vote for me, my manifesto can be found at my.dmu.ac.uk and www.demontfortstudents.com/vote. Voting can be done through my.dmu.ac.uk

I shall be wearing my yellow campaign tshirt around Campus and keep your eyes peeled for my green posters!

Keeping Busy

2009-02-26T17:50:00.004Z

It's a busy week, with lots going on.

Yesterday (Wednesday) I taught in the morning, attending a PRSA talk in the afternoon, followed by a cup of tea (thanks to Motje) over in MTI, then a focus group, then a chance for some research to be carried out and then Candidate's Questions at the Student Union.

Today (Thursday) I've been working on my entry for the Poster Competition. The forms have to be in next week, so I'm trying to make sure that I'm happy with the title and general content.

Still, it's better to be busy and have things to do.

All mixed up

2009-02-20T18:52:00.000Z

I've been reading "Mixed Methodologies", Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998), and have come across the confusing fact that the following terms exist and need to be understood:

mixed methods
multiple methods
mixed-up models
mixed model
"integrated methodoloical approach...to combine methods" Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998) p.13
multimethod
"triangulation of methods"
monomethod
multilevel
multimodel
"mixed-methodology designs" Creswell (1995)
"methodological mixes" Patton (1990)
mixed studies
mixed methods
multiple methods

Busy busy busy

2009-02-18T17:25:00.003Z

Well, once again it's been a busy few days in the IOCT.

I've been doing lots of things, including pondering my Registration document (it requires quite a lot of thought), reading (again, lots of) and taking note of important things, working on a potential poster design for the Poster Competition, photocopying books and visiting the library.

Today we had our first IOCT PhD Researchers lunch. It was good to meet IOCT-ians I hadn't previously met and to hear what they're working on. It was also great to catch-up with the students I do know and hear how their projects are progressing.

Masters to PhD

2009-02-10T21:31:00.004Z

It's been a while since I my last post as I got out of the blogging way-of-life for a while, but, as those around me seem to be embracing blogging I have decided to revisit and update my blog.

Update:
Well, such a lot has happened. I'm now a PhD student and graduated from the Masters in Creative Technologies with an MSc Distinction.

The graduation ceremony went well. Six of the eight of us were there, we had an even split between MAs and MScs, and we all passed, hooray!

PhD:
So now I'm studying under the title "Transdisciplinary Research Methodologies". I've been working on defining the term and understanding related terms, multi and interdisciplinarity. I've been exploring the importance of discipline boundaries and looking at the need for communication and a common language.

I've been researching, through reading (lots of reading). I've started writing a chapter for my thesis. I've attended numerous training courses and have been joining in with Team Meetings and other things going on in the IOCT.

Teaching:
As well as my studies I've also started teaching on a first year undergraduate module. Last semester we were working on XHTML and CSS, this semester it's Adobe Director.

Conference:
I attended my first conference at the end of January, thanks to the Pro Vice Chancellor for Research who chose me as the DMU representative and Andrew for nominating me. It was a great experience and I gained some knowledge and heard some important advice. I also presented 'my work in progress', which went well and I got some complementary comments and questions afterwords.

Recently:
Since the conference I've been writing an article about the conference for Vitae Midlands hub newsletter. More updates will follow on this matter. In agreement with the conference organisers I've created a Facebook group for the event to continue the discussions. I've also been working on my entry for the poster competition, having been to the "Poster Design" training course last Friday.

Web Presence:
Other places you can find me on the world wide web:
My website PhD page http://www.hellomeduck.co.uk/index_phd.html
My IOCT page, with IOCT Duck http://www.ioct.dmu.ac.uk/~zallman/
My Masters Major Project blog http://ioctbreakout.blogspot.com/

Fused Media and Applications

2008-06-02T22:08:00.002+01:00

On Thursday, 22nd of May 2008 we had our Fused Media and Applications examination. This was the final assessed piece of work for this module.

Performance Technologies

2008-05-02T15:08:00.001+01:00

Today was the supporting documentation hand-in date.

My supporting documentation has been handed-in and consisted of a written document, log book, photographs DVD and video DVD.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-04-22T10:08:00.004+01:00

During the lesson we looked at some OpenCV code for face detection and adding graphics by combining OpenCV and OpenGL.
The lecture covered examination material and the content of some of the papers which will be covered in the examination.

Performance Technologies

2008-04-18T10:54:00.003+01:00

Dance Box @ Kinky was held in Level 1 of the Student's Union at DMU last night (Thursday 10pm-Friday 3am).
The event had a high attendance level and we recorded 75 different Dance Boxes for the Dance Box wall.
The Dance Box team made the event go as smoothly as possible and worked really well together. I thank them for all of their support.

Major Project

2008-04-16T14:02:00.001+01:00

I've just presented my Major Project proposal and presentation.

Major Project

2008-04-16T14:02:00.000+01:00

I've just presented my Major Project proposal and presentation.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-04-15T13:18:00.003+01:00

This week's lesson looked at a face detection program in OpenCV.

The lecture covered image processing and the stages used in working with augmented reality and virtual studios.

Performance Technologies

2008-04-11T16:28:00.003+01:00

I set up the system in the IOCT today, got it working and carried out a few test examples in The Dance Wall process.

I also went to Level 1 to carry out an on-site technical set-up. This raised a few questions about positioning equipment on the night, networking Macs together and linking projectors to the system so that they show The Dance Box Wall. Some of these issues have since been sorted and others will be discussed with the technical staff at Level 1 on Monday.

Performance Technologies

2008-04-10T18:06:00.003+01:00

Ian came in to the IOCT today to help me improve the speed of the processes involved in The Dance Box.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-04-09T09:08:00.002+01:00

We spent the lesson trying to download OpenCV onto our Macs and PCs.

The lecture covered how OpenCV could be used in our projects. We then looked at image processing, histograms and edge detection.

Performance Technologies

2008-04-04T17:47:00.001+01:00

I've set up the event page for the Dance Box @ Kinky on 17th of April, 2008.

The Facebook event page aims to advertise the event and make people aware of what will be going on that night in Kinky.

Applied Research Methods

2008-04-03T17:30:00.002+01:00

I've been carrying out more research and working on the essay for this module.

Performance Technologies

2008-04-03T17:27:00.002+01:00

Having carried out more research, aiming to place my work contextually I have also started work on the supporting documentation for the assignment.

Major Project

2008-03-29T12:08:00.002Z

I've been considering Major Project ideas and have carried out some research to inform my thinking.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-03-29T12:05:00.001Z

I've created new Open GL models and updated old ones for the second augmented reality assignment. I've also been working on the report to accompany the project.

Performance Technology

2008-03-29T12:03:00.003Z

I've been working in Director, experimenting with screen sizes for the Dance Box screens. I've also been researching other work, placing my project contextually and understanding it's artistic standing.

Performance Technologies

2008-03-19T19:20:00.002Z

Yesterday, I met with one of the module lecturers to discuss my project's development and to try to implement new Java Script to improve the efficiency of the Director program.

Performance Technologies

2008-03-14T14:59:00.001Z

We heard one more project presentation today, followed by looking at how to document our work, keeping a record as you go along and using this to aid you in the final write-up.

Performance Technologies

2008-03-13T15:49:00.001Z

The Student Union (S.U.) have agreed to hosting my performance technology installation. The Dance Box will be in Level 1, Kinky on the 17th of April.

This follows a meeting I had with the organiser of events at the S.U. this morning and I'm really pleased that the S.U. are keen on the idea.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-03-11T13:17:00.002Z

Yesterdays lesson covered lighting in augmented reality. The second assignment brief was handed out and discussed in the lecture.

Performance Technologies

2008-03-07T13:10:00.002Z

Seminar presentation day!
Three of us presented our proposals for the assignment. I explained my Dance Box ideas and showed some contextual examples.

Advances in Modern Lens Based Media

2008-03-05T14:17:00.002Z

Yesterday, I handed in my work for this module. The external examiner will be in soon and so I have submitted all of my lenticualars, two holograms, my log book and a DVD data-disc containing my lenticular computer files.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-03-05T14:05:00.003Z

In today's lesson we demonstrated our assignment work. This was a demonstration piece which developed the original augmented reality c code we were given.

The lecture covered how to add a texture to the graphics.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-29T20:28:00.002Z

Today's lesson looked at possible issues with our individual projects and how these could be overcome. The lesson also covered networking and a practical networking performance session.

Applied Research Methods

2008-02-27T13:49:00.001Z

I had my second tutorial today and have now decided upon on a working title and outlined my aims, objectives and methods.

Augmented Reality

2008-02-27T13:44:00.002Z

I've been working on improving my augmented reality models in preparation for the assessment on Monday.

I've been trying to understand textures and how to apply more than one texture to a model.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-22T17:44:00.003Z

The lesson gave everyone the chance to discuss their ideas for the assignment. The aims of each project were considered, as well as the foreseeable difficulties and how these could be overcome.

Advances in Modern Lens Based Media

2008-02-21T16:47:00.001Z

As the final deadline for this module draws closer I am focusing my attentions on expressing my understanding of the sciences behind the creation of holograms.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-02-21T16:45:00.002Z

I've been working on assignment one. Using C code and opengl to modify an original piece of augmented reality code.

I've been learning how to use opengl, creating object, applying transformation and rotate effects and adding textures.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-20T16:37:00.001Z

I've been working with the software Isadora, trying to create a workflow process which will be useful in my assignment. This will be continuing work, as I try to find the best way to create my desired outcome.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-20T16:35:00.001Z

I added to the module Wiki, writing about the Pepper's Ghost Technique.

Applied Research Methods

2008-02-20T16:34:00.002Z

The first meeting with the tutor was held today, as part of a group tutorial with some Masters students from Art and Design.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-16T15:13:00.002Z

This lesson covered software tools which may be useful in the creation of our performance technology assignment pieces. There was also the opportunity to consider what might affect our assignments, followed by discussions about assignment ideas.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-02-11T18:41:00.001Z

Today's lab. session looked at adding interactivity to our augmented reality codes.

The lecture covered adding texture to an object and lighting virtual 3D scenes.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-11T18:34:00.001Z

The latest lesson covered Isadora, a graphic programming environment allowing "interactive control over digital media".

Augmented Reality

2008-02-06T18:01:00.000Z

I've been implementing colour in augmented reality, adding colour to individual objects.

Augmented Reality

2008-02-06T01:16:00.000Z

Having realised there was a problem when compiling new code I re-installed ARToolKit and have decided to compile using Makefiles in the terminal window.

I have been working on keyboard interactivity and can now move between 8 objects (4 solid and 4 wire-frame) using 'n' and 'p' as 'next' and 'previous' buttons, as well as being able to scale the objects using the '+' and '-' keys. This includes if statements and a switch statement.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-02-04T19:21:00.000Z

Today's lesson included changing a simple code (in C and later C++), making it unique and creating interesting effects. The lecture covered the co-ordination systems used in the creation of augmented reality.

Performance Technologies

2008-02-01T17:30:00.000Z

Today's lesson presented another list of questions, seemingly unanswerable ones. For example, what is the link between the performer, the audience and the technology?

Exercise:
Put your arms out in front of you (Zombie style). Put your thumb up on your left-hand and poke your right-hand little finger out. Now swap, so that your left-hand little finger is poking out and your right-hand thumb is up. Keep swapping and see if you can do it!

Augmented Reality

2008-01-30T16:52:00.000Z

Fused Media and Applications

I have just taken my first steps into the world of Augmented Reality thanks to ARToolKit. Following on from Monday's lesson, I downloaded the necessary software and have been following tutorials about merging the real and virtual world.

This is a really interesting topic and could lend itself to many applications, which will be explored over the coming weeks.

Fused Media and Applications

2008-01-28T17:21:00.000Z

Semester 2 Module
Module Leader: Professor Mohammad Ibrahim

This module started today, launching into C++ and the way it is used to created augmented reality applications. There will be two pieces of coursework and an examination for this module.

Skills in practice:
C++, 3D graphic design, augmented reality and fused media

Performance Technologies

2008-01-25T14:17:00.000Z

Semester 2 Module
Module Leader: Dr Sophy Smith

This module discusses "what are performance technologies?" and then offers each student the chance to create their own piece (in whatever form) of performance technology.

Skills in practice:
Research, application and creation of performance technology

Applied Research Methods

2008-01-25T14:14:00.000Z

Semester 2 Module
Module Leader: Dr Sophy Smith

This module builds on the Semester 1, Research Methods module and gives the opportunity to research a topic of choice. I intend to research the use of the computer in creating art.

Skills in practice:
Academic research methods

Advances in Modern Lens Based Media

2008-01-24T22:12:00.000Z

Semester 1 Module
Module Leader: Professor Martin Richardson

This Art and Design module has been a fantastic opportunity to learn about anaglyphs, lenticulars and holograms. This module has not completely finished, as the external examiner does not come to the DMU until March. I have created a log book documenting all of my work, thinking and processes involved in this module and will be submitting this along with examples of my lenticular work and my best holographic example, following the theme of "memory".

Future updates will follow, as work is completed in preparation for the external examiner's visit.

Skills learned and developed:
Creation of anaglyphs, lenticulars and holograms

Research Methods

2008-01-24T21:45:00.000Z

Semester 1 Module
Module Leader: Dr Sophy Smith

This module covered "the principle methods of research across a range of technology-centered disciplines". The module was assessed through a group research proposal, presentation and individual reflective report about the working practices used in the creation of the research proposal.

Skills learned and developed:
Academic research methods, group work and other key skills

Interactive Media and Applications

2008-01-24T21:32:00.000Z

Semester 1 Module
Module Leader: Professor Mohammad Ibrahim

The module covered Object Oriented Programming (OOP), how to use Flash and interactive web site development. Assignment One was a prototyping exercise concerning the creation of a web site for a shoe company. Assignment Two was the design and creation of a web site to meet a client's needs. The rest of the module was made up of an examination in web site, covering web site structure and feedback, the creative process, multi-modal human computer interaction and OOP.

Skills learned and developed:
Flash, OOP, XHTML, CSS and PHP

First post

2008-01-24T17:25:00.000Z

Well, this is my first ever blog post.
I'm setting up this blog to document the work I carry out as part of the IOCT.
Welcome to my blog and keep checking for further updates!