Mary Platt
From Better Practices
M. L. Platt's
Progress Report
Contents |
[edit] Before
As Sergeant Schultz said, "I know nothing".
Well, almost nothing. I had heard some of the terms and seen some examples, but really didn't feel comfortable with my knowledge level. My goals for the workshop can be summarized in the following list:
- Move beyond vague knowledge
- Be better prepared to moderate the Dueling Platforms Panel at JMM 2008
- Learn a little Flash programming
- Learn a little about setting up a cascading styles sheet.
[edit] After
Some of the things on my list were addressed and some things not on my list were addressed
- I worked through one tutorial using Flash with Howard and with help and suggestions from Barbara we extended the applet. Then, independently, I worked through another tutorial. So, I did learn a tiny, tiny bit of Flash programming.
- Thinking about the extensions and possible other things to do it became clear that the Java applets for multivariable calculus that I'll be using in the Fall are very nice, but too busy. Several collaborative suggestions were made towards improving the multi-windowed displays. Flash looks like an ideal platform to display what is in each window in a separate area of one applet along with some text guiding the user towards how to use the applet.
- I didn't get to visit with the css subgroup, so here is something for a future activity.
[edit] Further Things
- Research to determine is the multivariable calculus applets are available in Flash format - no need to reinvent the wheel. Pending funding from my Dean modify or create appropriate Flash applets.
- Check out the css that someone else will be putting on the wiki and make sure that my department's web page is in compliance.
[edit] Finally
- Thanks to the organizers for a wonderful workshop
- Thanks to all for the wonderful interactions and helpful ideas
Here's a picture of Gaston. He's got his safety goggles on and his tools -- ready to go. Photo by Frederic Moretto.
