Communication Lab with iChat and iSight

  1. Plug the FireWire cable from the iSight camera into the FireWire port on the iBook.
  2. Launch iChat from the Dock (it may launch automatically when you plug in the iSight).
  3. From the iChat menu, choose Preferences.  Click on the Accounts tab.
  4. For the Screen Name, type sgs8th1 or sgs8th2 (one for each iBook).  The password for both is purple.  If you are prompted to save the password on the keychain, feel free to do so.  Close the preferences window.
  5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the other iBook.
  6. If it's not already open, choose Buddy List from the Window menu.  On the buddy list, click on the camera icon next to sgs8th2.  A new video chat window should pop up.
  7. When the invitation to video chat appears on the other iBook, click Accept.  You should each see and hear the other on the screen (if you don't hear one another, check the volume settings on the iBook; if you don't see one another, ask for help).

 

 

Challenge 1: Verbal Communication

Now that you have your iSights working correctly, it's time to begin your first challenge.  Each partner should gather three different colored markers and a piece of scratch paper with at least one blank side.  To begin, sit as far apart from one another as you can while staying in the classroom. The partner whose birthday will happen next will start the activity.  She should draw a picture with her markers.  It can be a picture of anything you want: a house, geometric shapes, animals, etc.  Once the picture is done and using only verbal communication, instruct your partner on how she should draw the same picture.  You may not show her the picture via iSight!  When you think your partner is ready, have her show you the picture she drew.

 

 

Challenge 2: Visual Communication

Begin by turning off the volume on each of the iBooks.  You should still be able to see one another, but not hear anything.  The partner giving directions needs the instruction sheet (see MM), the other partner needs the combination lock.  Without using any typing, the direction partner should try to communicate how her partner should open the lock.  This can be very challenging if you haven't had much practice with combination locks.  Try a couple times before resorting to adding written instructions to the visual cues.

 

 

Challenge 3: Written Communication

To begin, turn of your audio/video chat but keep the iChat window for typing.  For this challenge each partner needs the same number of cubes that snap together.  Have one partner start by creating a 3-D structure with the cubes.  Once it is built, using only written instructions, guide your partner through the steps to create a matching structure.  When you think you have it, meet together in person to compare the structures.

 

 

Challenge 4: Limited Written Communication

Using iChat again, the partner giving directions will describe a specific item in the room of her choice.  It should be visible to both partners if they look carefully.  Describe the location of the item without naming it.  Additionally there are several taboo words that you may not use to describe the item.  The receiving partner may guess as many times as she likes and may ask questions, but also must adhere to the taboo word list. 

 

Taboo Words

Next to

Near

Above

Up

Below

Down

Front

Back

Right

Left

Any color (red, green, black, etc..)

Any student or teacher name

The item name itself

 

For example, if my object is the black dry erase pen stuck to the board at the front of the room I could possibly say, "the item is vertically attached to the board in proximity to the desk of our humanities teacher and is cylindrical in shape".  Notice I didn't use any of the taboo words.  If your partner guesses correctly, trade jobs and let her describe an object to you.

 

 

For Homework:

Reflect on each of the 4 challenges.  What were the particular challenges or difficulties you faced in each?  What do you think are the keys to good communication/instructions?  What have you learned about yourself as a communicator?  Is it easier for you to give or receive complicated directions?  Why?  How do you think these skills might help you in the Mission to Mars?