In support of The Media Spot’s media education work, I just wrapped up a year-long residency with Teaching Matters, Inc. at PS124 in Brooklyn. The plan was to integrate PS124’s existing technology resources into their curriculum through project-based learning.

The foundation of this year’s program became the development of the PS124 Web Log. The blog created a place for the 3rd-5th grade students to practice typing and use the Internet to publish their work, including research assignments, journal entries, video scripts, and video productions using embedded Google Video links (contact us for a password to see the video). The blog also allowed students a way to access their work from any computer connected to the Internet at home or school, and was useful for me to post assignments, daily plans and progress reports, as well as project resources for students and teachers.

We’re looking forward to continuing the program next year by expanding use of the blog, producing more videos, and seeking out “multimedia pen pals” at other connected schools around the world!

Poke around the PS124 Web Log to see all the great work the kids did this year (final video productions will be available soon!), and have a look at The Media Spot’s web site to read more about our media education initative.

Perennial Dtek All-Star and portfolio favorite, Oso Industries, has come up with 4 new cast concrete furniture designs. Check out his updated web site to see these beauts, and be sure to see the demo videos we put together for him in the furniture section.

Our favorite is Rollerstation. (Quicktime Player required. Music thanks to The Mathematicians.)

Check out Oso’s work at the following shows in the NY area:
BKLYN Designs Show
Friday, May 12- Sunday, May 14 in DUMBO

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair
The Javits Center in Manhattan
Saturday, May 20 to Tuesday, May 23
(Only open to the public on Tuesday)

The Dtek music video Secondhand Smoke is being screened at 4pm this Sunday, April 9th at Pianos in New York’s Lower East Side as part of the Freedom Festival. The screening will be followed by an informal chat on the value of independent artist collaborations in the age of audio & video file sharing.

Here’s the Freedom Fest music lineup & info, featuring lots of good bands including Vague Angels (who sing the song Secondhand Smoke).

More good news:
The final cut of the video is now available on dtek.net. You can see it on its showcase page or directly from our Portfolio.

We’ll be premiering our new music video Secondhand Smoke at Sputnik (directions to Sputnik) on Friday December 30th. There will be 4 bands playing including the band featured in the video, Vague Angels. The video should be on between 10 & 11 prior to Chris Leo & Vague Angels taking the stage. We hope to see you there!

For those of you who can’t make it, sit tight! The video will be coming to the web in January…

artivista.org is the Internet home of Kayhan Irani, actress, artist, and activist extraordinaire. Kayhan seeks an interactive, organic relationship with her audience. The web site is an engaging description and catalog of her work that invites her audience to get involved.

Dtek developed brand & design concepts with Kayhan including business card layouts, and built her web site featuring photos and streaming video. Stop by artivista.org, check out the videos, and go to the Contribute section to send Kayhan a love letter.