ILXO/workshops

This is still very much a work in progress.

We're aiming to have workshops run from 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the topic at hand. We'd love to have your feedback!

Individual pages will eventually have times, length, curricula, etc, once it's all happily worked out.

Specific To-Dos:

• list workshops w/ descriptions, materials cost (if applicable ---> will we charge for travel costs?), length of time, amount of advance notice needed, etc off our website
• have some well-defined, step by step process for people to get us to run a workshop at their location/for their group – again, off of website
• make an internal procedure for us to follow once people contact us – what do we need to make sure is set up (van scheduling, swag in van, how to get feedback afterwards, etc.)
• if anything is blocking you from doing the above, harass people appropriately
• send announcement to olpc-chicago, grassroots, olpc-open, devel (for the technical workshops)

Stuff to figure out:

• Descriptions
• Supplies
• Material costs
• Time and Prep time

• How to find us? Scheduling fun times.
  • Setting own times?
  • Operating at request of others?

• Who are we targeting?
  • OLPC-Chicago users
  • School chapters?
  • Summer programs

Resources we have:

• 'n' number of XOs. Still undetermined?
• A van!
• Office space - can host smaller events? Or, we'll travel. (for schools/camps, etc)

Getting a workshop to you

(procedure)

Workshops Offered

XO-101: An Introduction

Have an XO but haven't had a chance to find out what it can do? We will provide an overview of the activities bundled with the XO, as well as the basics of finding and downloading new content for it. We'll also be examining its use in an educational context and its capacity for collaboration.

XO Disassembly and Repair

We may not like to admit it, but laptops - yes, even XOs - can sometimes break. We'll go over both top and bottom disassembly, such that by the end of the session, you'll be confident in your abilities to replace an XO's screen or keyboard. Come admire the hardware design and the nifty construction of the XO! (We've done disassembly many times - it's much less scary with someone showing you the way.)

WikiHalps

Communication is an essential part of any successful venture. Learn to get the most out of the resources available to you - we'll be focusing on Wikis, though we can also discuss IRC, forums, and mailing lists, and any other suggestions you have.

Starting a Grassroots Group

• (will fill this out after the Jam)

Running a Jam

• (will also fill this out after the Jam)

The following workshops don't necessarily focus directly on the XO - however, we hope they provide insight on how the XO can be integrated with a variety of educational topics.

Music Composition

This workshop will explore uses of the TamTam Suite. Learn about the recording capabilities, and, if you're feeling ambitious, write your own multi-instrument piece in TamTam Edit! Music theory topics covered will include the basics of major/minor scales, key signatures, rhythm, harmony, though content can be shaped more to the intended audience.

• (1 XO per person - maybe pair up? Headphones, maybe? If no headphones, requires high tolerance for electronic blips and odd noises!)

Green engineering and how laptops are made

Learn about the XOs design for manufacturability (dfm) - why are the separate parts shaped the way they are? In addition to the examination of the XO's construction, we will also be discussing the environmental impact of the XO.

• (please edit this, as I don't actually know if any information exists about XO greenness)

Fractals and number theory

• (I'll let Mel talk about this one)

Photography & filmmaking

The XO may not be the most sophisticated media recording device out on the market, but why not make use of Record? Learn about basic photography and videography techniques. After all, composition tips are just as applicable to the XO!

• (rig your own viewfinder -- obtaining some of the prototypes? Tips on taking pictures not facing you -- hee, best clicking methods!)
• (1 XO per person)
• (what about journalism/photojournalism aspects?)

Inventors' Workshop

• (from student handbook) Develop concepts/models of authentic new products/services
• holistic approaches to design, integrate user and functional design
• process
• engage, observe - understand value and patterns

• (user-centered design, sketch prototyping, journalism)
• (UOCD junior is a meaningless description to not-Olin. As someone who hasn't taken the course, I'll fill this out later or defer to someone else)

Self-Defense

• (do we want to say how we're integrating the XO?)

Origami

• (how are we integrating the XO, or is it just a gratuitous use of it as an e-book reader? Wait, wait! -- this would be a really awesome content bundle, or maybe that's just me.)

Knitting for XOs

Learn the basics of knitting (knit and purl) by making a carrying-strap for your XO! (insert picture, if we ever have a prototype/demo). It'll allow you to tote your XO around with you but keep your hands free, too. (For those looking for a bit more utility, we can supply a pattern to knit a reasonably XO-sized bag - some sewing required, unfortunately.)

• (this would entail some material fee, presumably - knitting needles (generally, $5ish a set, though I should have some extras, plus the cost of yarn)
• (I still need to find a non-stretchy strap pattern)