simulations:

actual + virtual
worlds
BIG QUESTIONS

How does simulation operate in our daily life?

How do simulations shape our interactions in
the world?
How might we incorporate simulations in our
Comm. Tech. program?

what is a simulation?
Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a
real-world process or system over time.
J. Banks, J. Carson, B. Nelson, D. Nicol (2001). Discrete-Event System Simulation. Prentice Hall. p. 3.

example
Visit the following website:
http://conceptlab.com/simulator/morning/clock800.html

How does simulation

operate in our daily life?
Make a list of the different simulations you encounter within a day.
THINK about it.

How do Simulations shape our

interaction in the world?
What do Simulations DO?
Think about issues of representation, seeing, communication and subjectivity
(how we understand ourselves in relation to the world).

Baudrillard has something

to say about it
What has happened in
postmodern culture is that
our society has become so
reliant on models and maps
that we have lost all contact
with the real world that
preceded the map. Reality
itself has begun merely to
imitate the model, which now
precedes and determines the
real world.

HYPERREALITY
The slippage of reality, its elusiveness encountered even in a basic
search for a definition, is an element of the hyperreal a condition
in which the distinction between the real and the imaginary
implodes.

In this postmodern media-laden condition, we experience something called "the death of the real": we live our
lives in the realm of hyperreality, connecting more and more deeply to things like television sitcoms, music videos,
virtual reality games, or Disneyland, things that merely simulate reality.

black mirror
15 million merits

In a bleak, automated future Britain, Bing is one of millions who pedal

exercise bikes to create energy as a living. Their currency is merits, tokens
with which to buy food from vending machines and which can be
increased or decreased according to which shows one watches on giant
television screens. A popular choice, for instance, is 'Botherguts', which
humiliates over-weight citizens.

But Bing uses his merits as entrance money to get sweet-voiced fellow worker
Abi onto the TV talent contest 'Hot Shot'. Unfortunately, despite her talent, she
is but one of a glut of singers and ends up on the porn channel 'Wraith Babes'.
An enraged Bing saves up another lot of merits and gets onto 'Hot Shot' to
denounce its falseness. But will he be seen as a new Messiah or a voice crying in
the wind and forced to sell out?

How do Simulations shape our

interaction in the world?
What do Simulations DO?
Think about issues of representation, seeing, communication and subjectivity
(how we understand ourselves in relation to the world).

implosion
The system which results from such hyperrealities depends on the constant maintenance of a regime of
control. Such a system is very unstable, open to collapsing at the slightest rupture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHjIXCCHh3s

How might we incorporate

simulations in our
Comm. Tech. program?

Modelling technology & processes

Social, role play, communication

Low risk, high replay opportunities

Planning & Design purposes

YOUR TURN
LAB: ANIMATION CHALLENGES
Watch the short Tutorial on iMovie to get started. Open iMovie and
follow along if this helps you to learn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipE3nCjI0IU

YOUR TURN
LAB: ANIMATION CHALLENGES
In groups of 3 or 4 (max), you will create a Stop Motion animation
using post-it notes. You will be given 30 minutes (from start to
finish) to complete and publish your task.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpWM0FNPZSs