Metamorphosis

We had a great discussion today. I know that this blog is open to anyone who choose to visit, but my postings will be written directly to the participating class. For future classes, we should appoint a scribe (to capture our ideas in writing) and a photographer to visually document our process.

I heard a recurrent theme in our group discussion that centered around the sense of disconnection or disembodiment that we experience as our use of communications technology increases and physical contact with people and the natural world decreases.

Our pile of discarded clothing has possibilities as a material to explore old ways/new ways of being in the world.

Mr. Lack's story about his pet tarantula who became "two" tarantulas when she shed her skin is sticking with me. Have you ever had a conversation with someone online, and then seen them in person, and not remembered to continue that topic until you are back online again? I have and experience that as a peculiar splitting of my self.

Our next meeting won't be held until March 28th, just over two weeks from today. If we can continue our conversation here in this blog, we can make use of the time between to push our ideas around and keep them fresh.

Each of us will remember different aspects of today's conversations. Please add what you recall, especially what had particular resonance for you.

Names & Old Clothes

Friday, March 7th I visited the class for a few minutes. Students introduced themselves adding details that would help me learn their names quickly. Classmates often added the most memorable details. I asked the students to bring in an old item of clothing, something outgrown physically or emotionally or simply too worn out to wear. I've also enlisted my friends to gather more clothing.

When we meet for our first full class tomorrow, we will use this clothing to begin our discussion of growth and change, launching our collaborative project, Metamorphosis (working title).