Archive for the ‘Projects/Assignments/Events’ Category
Creative Thinking Skills Assignment 2 Highlights by Foundation in Science Students!
Posted on: April 5, 2016
‘Creating Something out of Nothing’ by Natasha Hishamuddin
“For their assignment 2 the FIS students were asked to observe space. From their blank space observation they were supposed to conceive a series of ideas, ultimately choosing only one, to show us what went through their heads – the questions they asked themselves – and what inspired them to create “something out of nothing”. This assignment was to demonstrate their understanding in the earlier 4 lectures namely, Observation, Knowledge and Asking.”
Ms Natasha co-facilitates the Creative Thinking class. What she does in there, is totally awesome and really out of the box! You can reach Ms. Natasha by emailing her at tasteofcontinents@gmail.com
That is the essence of Contextual Studies; to find a deeper meaning to everyday life and situations. In this case, we are using storytelling as the primary medium to explain and describe the ‘meaning behind the design!’ Here is the playlist for all the short films! You are free to pick the best ones you like and do comment!
It was an amazing end to the 2015 CTS semester! The year ended with so much of valuable learning experience! Much had been achieved throughput the semester and there were lots of challenges especially juggling between teaching and work. However, what always remains was the joy of facilitating bright young minds who never gave up the struggle to break the barriers of challenges with time and workload. Therefore the final works have been engaging and surprising! Safe to say that each of the final videos were the result of brainbusting sessions! Whether there were sparks and storms, the students DELIVERED! Happy watching!
Educational Technology
Posted on: December 29, 2015
Recently, I have managed to get some recognition for the use of Classcraft and connecting it to the Taylor’s University LMS (Learning Management System) Moodle platform. First a bronze at the Taylor’s University SPARK awards and a silver medal at the National University E-learning Carnival held at a renowned educational University in Malaysia UPSI – University Pendidikan Sultan Idris – (Sultan Idris Educational University).
When I was exhibiting my poster presentation at UPSI, during the Carnival, I have had the priviledge of meeting many innovative and inventive educators who have used different kinds of applications as well as creating new ones all for one purpose; to make learning interesting and effective in more ways than one! It was such an eye opener! I have learnt so much from many of them but there was always the nagging question about educational technology. Some have asked me questions like, ‘what technology do you use in your classroom?’ and not ‘what applications/tools did you use’.
I simply told them I just used educational ‘tools’ to assist me in my teaching. But as far as technology is concerned, I asked them ‘how you do perceive e-learning? is it the ‘technology’ or the tool? Well, to cut a long story short, basically we used the e-learning tools because that isn’t the technology. We are! The educator is the technology! More exploration coming soon!
Brave New World!
Well, not like the Aldus Huxley dystopian version!
This time of the year Creative Thinking Skills module has been consolidated and now it is a core module for 3 foundation programmes! They are Foundation in Design, Foundation in Natural Built Environment and Foundation in Arts! Next year, added to this list will be Foundation in Science! What a real challenge to adapt creative thinking lessons to different disciplines! I really do have my work cut out for me! But I have a great team of lecturers who are gung-ho about teaching this module so I am glad I am not alone in this at all!
We got started on the right foot! Well, this is history in the making and tons of mistakes will lead to amazing developments for the future of this module! Creativity NEVER ENDS! Woo Hoo! Some highlights of the early assignments in the playlist!
Fun, Bizarre and Creative!
Here is a youtube playlist consisting of the Creative Thinking Skills March 2015 video highlights! Towards the end of the playlist, you will be able to view the final project videos!
Building A Great Foundation!
This was a great trip! Both Contextual studies batch and creative thinking batch combined to make this trip a success! Here is the playlist of the documentaries created by these amazing and talented students!
Building Teams and Building Each Other!
This was our last trip to refreshing springs early this year and we have an amazing creative team-building sessions and of course great bonding sessions!
Ambience and Attraction!
This documentary is about Ashley’s investigation about what makes the cafe’s ambience interesting and appealing to customers. She explores the context of enjoying your coffee within an interior space and why it works!
Visual Kei!
This documentary chronicles what a ‘visual kei’ fan does to follow this style and why does this appeals to her. This explores the context of self-identity and the courage to embrace it’s eccentricities!
This short animation tells the story which states that no two person is the same. But we live a a world where it is easier to conform than to stand up for what is new and unique.
Discovering local and patriotic brands! A contextual studies documentary.
Posted on: October 1, 2015
Contextual Studies documentary by Amer Eizwann exploring the context of local t-shirt brands. This documentary explores and investigates the popularity of local t-shirt brands which emphasises on patriotism. His search led him to travel as far as the east coast to interview with T-short vendors and buyers about why they chose to buy these specially designed T-shirts.
This year’s contextual studies short film highlights some good entries! This short film, ‘midnight’ tells the story of why vigilantism happens. The main protagonist decides to take matter into in hos own hands during the crucial moment in his life when he needs to discover who he really is and what he is meant to do. It takes courage but sometimes we are driven to action when motivated by a traumatic incident. The context explored is why we take action and get things done.
This recent documentary production addresses the purpose and meaning behind body art; specifically tattoos. One of our Foundation In Design semester 2 student groups, interviewed our Foundation in Design Programme Director Ms. Yip Jinchi, who have embraced tattoos as not just an extension of her appearance but it is also a form of adornment, sense of expression and a form of identity. Jinchi lectures in theoretical studies in the design degree programmes at the Design School at Taylor’s. In this Interview she provides some insights about the perception and about tattoos with some interesting take on social stereotypes, design style and some helpful advice to those who are contemplating to embrace this timeless form of body art. Enjoy!
Happy 2015 and this is the first post for the year! More posts and excitement is the resolution for this year!
The August 2014 Contextual Studies group continued their exploration about the the many eccentricities about Art and Design in the industry. The survival of Art and Design is evident of the demands by the industry and the bold as well as risky steps taken by the designers themselves to present new concepts and ideas.
In Contextual Studies module, we continued to explore particular styles from particular designers and artists from different areas of the creative industries and to study it successes and shortcomings. The interviews conducted with these real practicing designers are done spontaneously with questions carefully thought about and selected in order to gain as much information and lessons about their experiences; either in work, life or academia. The students have have had a brief study about visual culture and some historical backgrounds about famous artists as well as the artist and designers whom they interviewed prior to obtaining the actual footage.
The purpose was to find some sense of relevance and some answers to their own questions about why should they study design what is the industry like. This required the students to make the journey to meet with the designers and artists face-to face and to interview them. The documentaries feature detailed and lengthy conversations but rich with information and it’s interesting to see their enthusiasm how relaxed they are with our students! The outcome was very encouraging! If you could take time to watch it please do! There will be more documentaries to come soon from the September 2015/Jan 2015 batch. Here’s the links to the videos. Enjoy!
I am a big fan of visual sketching! Bernie has cought my attention eversince I stumbled across an article about her in the Star Rage section. I am so glad that someone in Malaysia is really doing something about this! Here are links about Bernie Quah’s awesome Graphic Recording work below:
http://rage.com.my/sketchy-business/
http://rage.com.my/graphic-recording-timelapse-with-bernie-quah/
What if we used SCAMPER method to enhance a product and the product is ourselves. What will be become? This was one of our Foundation in Design assignment and the outcomes were figurines as the conceptual prototype.
Another batch and another trip to Refreshing Springs Resort! This time, more challenges and also more bonding time! Time was well spent by applying their creative minds to solve specific challenges throughout the trip. I decided to bring ideation and problem solving to nature in which all groups actively participated to apply their creative thinking knowledge and teamwork dynamics to create actual prototypes. Enjoy!
What an awesome experience! Our FID students did a great job! Working with Kakiseni was a really good learning experience!
We learnt so much from them and we do appreciate the encouragement and motivation given to our students. What our FID students usually do to spread their creative mayhem at the lakeside campus have now made their way to the heart of Kuala Lumpur! Kakiseni did a fantastic job organising such a huge event! They organise countless events every year and this time onwards, we will be in each other’s radar for future involvements! Follow their events here: http://kakiseni.com
Our documentary comprising of slides and some clips:
Two of our Diploma in Multimedia Design students, Nilanka and Sina have produced a sculpture in conjunction with Malaysia Day which was comprised of 4000 screws! I was motivated by their drive to make their vision materialise! Sleep was indeed a luxury! Below is the time-lapse of their work, created by Sina.
I really appreciate the Creative Team at Kakiseni and my colleague Natasha who always performed selflessly above and beyond the call of duty to always ensure that the students get the best creative exposure which they so deserve! I am also glad that the Taylor’s University has always been there to provide this platform for us to continually explore bigger and more diverse possibilities and always providing the support we need as a Design School.
Chess Pieces with Attitudes!
This was an interesting assignment! Each student was tasked to design their very own chess piece which not only related to the role of the actual piece itself but which also represented their own characters. Their chess pieces represented their characteristics and traits through unique modifications and adornment! The end result was amazing! All 32 pieces looked unique and different!
Behold the Chess Board!
Creative Thinking using the 8 Steps based on Dr. Keith Sawyer’s awesome book Zig Zag!
It all begins with the big question! This was a rewarding brainstorm session and most of them were getting introduced to the basics of ideation.
Cute stuff! There were profound expressions about experiences, emotions, creativity, artistry among others. What is special is that, these journals aren’t merely a tool but these become interactive statements that affirms their belief and determination. I managed to spot these things as I interacted with them.
Play & Learn! 