2020-03-10-offline-note

Hi folks,

You should have received an email from President Burwell,
with word that AU is moving all courses to an online format
through the immediate future.

More precisely, we will not have class on Tuesday 17 March,
and we'll be online-only through at least April 3rd.

This affects our class, of course. I'll adjust the schedule
and assignments so that they can happen remotely, with the
resources you have on hand. Expect a heavier volume of
reading and video material, shorter classes conducted
through video chat, and asynchronous conversations with an
online discussion tool.

We don't yet have word on the plan for studio/computer lab
access, but I'm planning for none. I'll rewrite assignments
so that you can complete them without access to any
specialized software. Of particular note, Mapbox as a
mapping tool that runs in the browser. I think that you'll
make *great* work, esp. if the initial projects from this
semester are any guide. Look for more details soon.

I'm going to be working to make sure that our class is a
success. I'm reluctant to turn this into a "teachable
moment," but design's about creating projects that flourish
within constraints. This is one giant constraint, but I
think that we can use it to our advantage. Be flexible.

On a more personal level: There are people I'm concerned
about, but I'm trying to translate that into useful actions,
with them and community in mind. I'm trying to pay
attention, too. I'm a designer, and training and long habit
is to observe the world closely. This is an historical
moment. The world hasn't seen anything like this in 100
years. You might want to try taking notes on what you see,
too.

Here's the US CDC site with information on how to protect
yourself (and others) from Covid–19. (TL/DR: wash your hands
and stay home if you're sick.)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

For now, enjoy the rest of break, and be well.

Best, David