| 
  • If you are citizen of an European Union member nation, you may not use this service unless you are at least 16 years old.

  • You already know Dokkio is an AI-powered assistant to organize & manage your digital files & messages. Very soon, Dokkio will support Outlook as well as One Drive. Check it out today!

View
 

How to Learn Knitting Online

This version was saved 12 years, 9 months ago View current version     Page history
Saved by Dennis Shiao
on June 26, 2011 at 9:34:46 pm
 

Initial revision

Introduction

 

Want to learn how to knit, but don't have an instructor available? The first place you'd probably turn is your preferred search engine. And after a search or two, you'd likely come across KnittingHelp.com. On this site, you can find written content, a forum and a collection of excellent how-to videos. And while the content and videos are quite good, what if you wanted a little more hand holding?

 

For instance, elementary or middle school students looking to knit for the first time may not know where to start. They'd prefer an after-school class or private instruction to get them started. Let's consider a few web-based solutions that could address these aspiring knitters.

 

Real-Time Video Instruction

 

Instead of "on-demand videos" (the KnittingHelp.com model), a student could connect with an instructor over a real-time video conference, using systems such as Skype or Facetime. A flexible webcam would work best, one that can seamlessly alternate between two angles: (a) a view of the participant's face and (b) a view of the knitting needles. This way, the session can begin with instructor and student seeing each other face to face, which is important to establishing a comfort level with one another.

 

Then, with both webcams focused on their respective knitting needles, the instructor could perform a few steps, while watching the student follow along. Real-time video (and audio) allows the instructor to provide constant and immediate feedback, which can facilitate more productive learning.

 

Real-Time Immersive Knitting

 

Next, imagine a 3D immersive environment, in which the instructor's avatar meets the student's avatar.  Using mouse or keyboard controls to manipulate the knitting needles and yarn, the instructor and student can take turns with "immersive knitting." Much like an online meeting in which the presenter "passes the ball," the instructor can "pass the needle" to the student to take control and practice knitting. While the immersiveness can be useful to visualize the proper knitting procedure, it's not as effective as handling the needles and yarn with one's own hands.

 

Real-Time Immersive Knitting with Motion Detection

 

This scenario can be thought of as "3D immersive environment meets Microsoft Kinect." Imagine the same 3D immersive environment, but using a motion-sensing device such as Microsoft's Kinect. Now, you can handle virtual knitting needles and watch the resulting scarf and sweater on the screen.  A Kinect device on the instructor's workstation allows her to "take control" of the knitting. Together, instructor and student can knit collaboratively - imagine the interesting sweaters and garments they could create and then sell in Second Life or IMVU!

 

Conclusion

 

In addition to knitting instruction, the technology models we've outlined (above) could also apply to guitar instruction, pottery, painting and more. With technologies such as video, 3D immersion and motion detection, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

 

 

 

 

Comments (0)

You don't have permission to comment on this page.