Thoughts on the first week -

I've been thinking about this class using theatre as a comparison.  I love theatre.  I have worked in the theatre/performing arts world for 13 years.  One of the reasons I love theatre is that there exists an infinite number of ways to solve problems. If you're producing a published script, you are contractually obligated to say every word in that script.  But the actors can change the tone with a glance, the lighting designer can manipulate the emotional atmosphere by dimming a spotlight, and the scenic designer can place the action in an opulent apartment or on a deserted island.  And then there are always constraints - from the budget to the amount of rehearsal time to the end date when the show must open.  You are working as a part of a team, and clear communication is key to a successful production.

I'm interested in the idea of participating and completing this class as solving an open-ended problem; however, I also like to know my constraints. This first week has been a bit frustrating, because assignments (as it were) seemed open-ended, but only later did the constraints become evident.  I'm also a big fan of deadlines - I like a general idea of when I should be done with a project.  I know that obviously that can be something that I can set for myself (as I know we all do with the juggling between work and school and family and finding 20 spare minutes to eat a sandwich).  

I have found navigating AsULearn to be not entirely intuitive - is there an easier way to see the participants other than clicking on your own name? - and in fact, I didn't know it was Moodle-based until Curtis mentioned it in the body of his email (thanks, Curtis!).  I'm a little afraid that I'm going to miss something - an assignment, a reply to a discussion, etc.  New things seem to just appear on the site - or maybe I'm not paying close enough attention - hard to tell.

All in all, though, I'm looking forward to the class, imaginary parquet floors and all -