11 September 2017/ Lesson 1: Topic 1 & 2

Topic 1: Introduction

The first topic basically introduced the module’s content, aim and the learning outcomes. I found it very similar to a module i took in polytechnic, called “Creative Concepts”. However, i think this module will be less crafty and interactive, but rather will be more theory and/or lecture based.

Topic 2: What’s stopping you?

We were shown several videos under this topic, however the one that stood out most to me were the interactive “9 points, 4 lines” video. In summary, it was a video asking to solve a puzzle; without lifting the pen off the paper, i am to attempt to touch or pass through the 9 dots arranged in a square with only 4 straight lines. I thought it was impossible but the video taught us to think outside of the box and what was real constraints VS assumed constraints.

We immediately assume that we have to draw the 4 lines within the imaginary box thus not being able to solve the puzzle but actually there is actually no restriction in that area.

The lecturer also gave an example in the context of Singaporean drivers/roads “No U-Turn Society” (NUTS) - no u-turning when there is no u-turn sign and only u-turn when there is one. I found this analogy to be so funny and worrisome at the same time. Its funny because of how we’ve been educated to be, to follow rules and the regimentation from the government but so worrisome because what if i am not able to expand my brain knowledge capacity to the fullest or rather as much as i can because i was brought up/ educated to think in narrow-minded ways?