Multimedia?

Hello all,

A few comments and questions from Marleen:

* Has anyone actually had any success getting the laptop projector-thingy in Downs 8 to work? I followed all of the instructions and just stood there pressing the two keys like a moron while nothing happened. In addition to other uses, I want to show one or both of the following "news clips" from The Onion and use it to spark a class discussion:
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/new_wearable_feedbags_let
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/dominos_scientists_test_limits_of

I also plan to have them listen to an NPR radio segment with Michael Pollan, and/or someone from The Food Trust talking about local food networks.

*Also re. the detestable Downs 8: recently, a few students were absent from one class and we were able to get into a circle. (I quit the circle thing after a few tries because it was awkward and students couldn't get in or out. I also had to jump over my desk like a bartender, which was fun, but I don't think I should be trapping my students.) Anyway, the conversation seemed to be more enthusiastic in this class. It really does help when they can see each other. Has anyone tried other seating arrangements that worked?

Has anyone considered inviting a guest speaker for the last week? Might be interesting. If the students really get into The Future of Food, I thought I could try to get someone who works in organic farming or one of the local food nonprofits to come in.

* For my second assignment, I've assigned another single paragraph, as suggested in the common syllabus. What are other people doing? Are you letting students break it up into separate paragraphs?

I look forward to hearing from you all! (Yes, I wrote you all. I will forever chafe at the absence of a formally accepted second person plural in English.)