Day 2. Vapors.

Looks like I'll be able to come to the first class (and hopefully join thereafter?) of "technologies for creative learning" at MIT -- the win of the day! First class is Sept 14th. The course description --

"Explores the design of innovative educational technologies and creative learning environments, drawing on specific case studies such as the LEGO Programmable Brick, Scratch software and Computer Clubhouse after-school learning centers. Includes interactive activities with new educational technologies, reflections on learning experiences, and discussion of strategies and principles underlying the design of new tools and activities."

I also heard back from a science policy expert at the public policy school who's class I was excited to take as an elective, but it turns out she's on leave this year. She invited me to join her fellows reading group. Academic consolation prize?

JZ's sister and niece came into town tonight -- the niece is moving into her dorm tomorrow (and I get to take a break and accompany on their epic Target trip.)

Questions, not answers.

I'm keeping track of questions that bubble up as I skip through my short stint in academia. Hopefully, writing them down will prompt me to work on them.

What are the biggest threats to science?

• Religious zealots? Socialism? Outdated science pedagogy? Broken graduate-university-research system? Does this change depending on cultural context?

The First Day.

It was a whirlwind -- I am so tired now (mentally) that it takes a lot to get the gears turning. We'll have to leave it at an entirely too brief summarization.

Best: The most perfect syllabus exists. It's history of science 183.

"What is the relationship between technology and politics in global democracies? This course explores various forms of technology, its artifacts and experts in relation to government and political decision-making. Does technology ““rule”” or ““run”” society, or, should it? How do democratic societies balance the need for specialized technological expertise with rule by elected representatives? Topics will include: industrial revolutions, factory production and consumer society, technological utopias, the Cold War, state policy, colonial and post-colonial rule, and engineers' political visions."

Worst: The *very* first class I went to was "Biotech and Society"... and the lecture was a bone-dry, read-from-the-notes talk about the history of BEER (its agricultural, scientific, and economic roots) in the hopes of getting the undergrads psyched to stay in the course. It felt Simpsons-esque, and I felt weird when I didn't laugh like an 18-year old dreaming about keggers at the ancient Egyptian drawings of servants holding their mistress' hair back when she got sick after a wild pyramid party. (ok maybe only a little on the inside). Thank you shopping period, for giving me an opportunity to find something better. Why "Islam, Gender, and Sexuality," you look enticing -- see you on Tuesday, 2-4 pm.

Tomorrow, I try to talk my way into MIT science writing classes, and brave the paper-ful, maze-like bureaucratic nightmare that is CROSS REGISTRATION. Goodnight.