Thread: DVA Seminars

EDIT: From what I understand this is similar to the old workshops idea so if it is we can change the name and get it up and running.

Ok staff here we go. I have thought up a seminar system for two reasons.

1) students who can't get into any classes.
2) I have limited actual computer acess so I use my iPod. Classes are harder to run so I could teach seminars frequently.

The classes will be held in the IRC most likely in a new channel which all staff will have OP in. There will be no need to use a password because students would just drop in. #seminars

Then add a sub forum in the DVA called "Seminar Archive" This is where old seminar logs can go for any DV member to read. The posts will be made by who ever taught the seminar and then locked by any mod.

Second I'll add a sticky to the main forum called seminar schedule. This can be updated with seminars from anyone all through the year. Say you want to teach a shared dreaming seminar every 3 months. You can post as far in advance as you want. Updates would be done with an edit to avoid clutter.

Tell me what you think. If everyone is ok with it Alex can go ahead and make the sub-forum.

Maybe something like this can be implemented later down the road, but right now our main focus should be teaching full classes. We've gotten some new professors, and our current professors are current ones are just getting accustomed to starting new regular classes over. I say we should hold what we have at least until the status upgrade occurs. More people are going to want to be professors (and want to enroll as students) once they see all the eye candy that goes along with it.

Theres going to be a general increase in the interest of the DVA, and I think adding something like this program right now would only create more confusion for the staff, professors and students as a whole.

I've always liked the idea of this type of thing. I remember back in the old DVA when the workshop idea came up, and I was rather enthusiastic about it.

I like the idea of easy going, single classes.

Just one thing though, what do you plan on doing about the student limit?
And also. Having no password... does that mean you plan on allowing anyone in?


EDIT: Fair point, Akono.

@ akono Thanks I think you are right when things get more organized this will work out better.

@ slash I don't see why not. I will most likely make up a pass after we start so it doesn't get disturbed. This way there isn't password confusion.

I like the idea of seminars--I believe I mentioned it way back when we were reconstructing DVA.

However, the idea was really not meant for regular professors to use. It was meant as a way to have guest teachers come in, do a lecture about a subject, do some Q&A, and not have to teach a full class. That IMO should be how seminars are run.

For now, since we have so few active professors, I think it would be a loss for any professors to do only seminars instead of teaching full classes. A professor is someone who actually teaches the classes; seminars should be reserved for guest teachers.

Good point Naiya. I was just thinking of teaching some because they would be easier for me to run then classes because of my iPod.

I think the workshop idea should mainly be used for something that's a one-day special kind of idea... that highlights a technique, say. Something that doesn't require a full class to teach on one subject, and perhaps something that doesn't even require the whole membership process to the DVA, but it's hosted by the DVA, if that makes any sense.

If you'd like, have a look at how I restructured my course. I think I managed to combine the best of both worlds... being able to hold a full class, but making the IRC chat slightly less intensive. If this works, it'll allow me to hold more classes!

The seminars are a great idea, but as mentioned, we need more professors.

However, is true that we need to work on this.

I also think they are a great idea. I guess maybe we'll come back to this again through time.

I really like the idea of Seminars because with those I feel as though I could actually participate again. Right now I don't have time to devote to teaching a whole class...but I could definitely do a one night seminar or workshop sort of thing.

Yeah if we have people who could teach seminars and aren't able to teach classes anyway why not. I would be willing to do a test run. Why don't some of you teachers ask if any of your students are willing to participate in a secret test and fill out a survey at the end. If you have any interested students tell them to PM me.

Or if you are completely opposed speak up.

I'm open to this idea, and am eager to see a test run.