Physical Human factors and presentation style at YakShaving

This week, in intersession, I’m taking the Physical Human Factors class, taught by the legendary Bill Verplank. So far, it’s been fantastic.

I think his unique presentation style is great– No powerpoint. It LOOKS like an overhead projector, but it’s really a camera attached to a tall tripod that points down at a sheet of paper that he draws on. But, using this technique, he can also show small items and enlarge them on the projection screen. I took some pictures so you can get a sense of what I’m talking about.

A video camera points down at the paper notes and the tangible objects that Bill uses to teach.

Here, he’s making little drawings that we’re looking at in real time. It’s like an overhead projector, only in 3D.

By the way, YES, it’s 4 am. And YES, I haven’t slept yet. This week is going to be that crazy.

On the nightstand

Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science by Charles Wheelan
Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software by Steven Johnson
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well) by William K. Zinsser
The Learning Portfolio: Reflective Practice for Improving Student Learning (JB - Anker Series) by John Zubizarreta
Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations by Clay Shirky