Transfer

You will have an opportunity in this challenge to transfer content from one format to a new media format. In the Format Quest within the Packaging & Sharing Challenge, you examine information on one subject in three different formats, and reflect on the value of the information in that particular format for that topic. If you have not yet completed the Format Quest, you may find that it will help you prepare for this Transfer Challenge.

To begin, find the metaliteracy learning objective within Goal #3, "Produce and share information in collaborative and participatory environments," that involves the transfer of information. Consider how it relates to the other objectives within this goal.

While in the Format Quest you are asked to find and evaluate information in disparate formats, you are now going to create information in a new format. First, however, watch this TED Talk by John Maeda, President of the Rhode Island School of Design. He addresses issues connected with technology, design, art, and leadership, and their interrelationships. While the scope of his talk is wide, it may provide some inspiration in what you are about to do.

Identify something you have created and are proud of. This might be a piece of creative writing, a collage, a photo gallery, a research paper, a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation, a scrapbook... the possibilities are endless. How might you transfer the essence of this creation to a new medium or format, and what format would be appropriate? As you consider possible new formats, think about the essence of your original creation:

• What set of characteristics makes it unique?

• It is something you are proud of? What makes you feel that way?

• Did you choose its original format because it was ideal, or because you were following guidelines given to you?

• What is the most important element of this creation?

• How might that best be highlighted in a new format?

• How might this creation affect those who encounter it?

• How would this original creation change in a different media format?

• How would others interpret this form of information in a different medium?

Let’s look at a photograph and think about what gave it such impact when it was shared:

This photo, which was taken after September 11, 2001, had a visceral effect on many viewers. Some of the elements that contributed to that emotion include:

• The historical moment

• The immediacy of a photograph, compared to written text

• The emotion elicited by the vision of overcoming the terrorist acts

• For some viewers, the reference to a similar, very famous photograph taken at Iwo Jima in World War II

• The starkness of the single image, which might take on a different meaning in a video of the same event.

You will be considering your original creation, with its format, in the same way, and identifying elements that would lend themselves to the transfer. Consider another example: a Wordle created from a document shows the content in a very different way. The size of the words is based upon the frequency of use, which provides a visual snapshot of key components of the writing. Here is a Wordle of this challenge:

Once you have considered possible formats and their effectiveness, choose one and transfer your original creation into this new format. Depending on both your initial item and the new format, this might mean that you need to make choices about what actually transfers, and what new content might be created to take advantage of this new entity.

If you are thinking about using a web-based application (which is not required, you have freedom of choice about format) and would like to get some ideas for this activity, take a look at Kathy Schrock's list of Online Tools for learning and creating. While it is intended for teachers to use in the classroom, it lists a number of creation tools included that might inspire you.

Please upload the new project (this might be a text file, a video, a photo of the new object) or provide a link to the work, and in the text box, describe the original item you were working from, and your reflections on the process of transfer. Do you think the new work is successful in part or in whole? Why? If you would like to share both versions with a friend, and include their comments, you are welcome to.