Crank the Web, 2001
By Jonah Brucker-Cohen
http://www.coin-operated.com/projects
(go to 2001 – Crank the Web)

Crank the Web is a browser that allows people to physically crank their bandwidth in order to see a website. Simply enter a URL, start cranking, and text and images appear in the browser window.

This project is a fine example of an intent to give back some physicality to a digital medium. Even though it doesn't have an educational objective, it is related to my seminal idea in the sense that it aims to provide a short, entertaining experience by letting you play with a mechanical interface that you can use to browse the web. One of the qualities of this project that I like is its simplicity, it does a great job demystifying technology.

Shutters, Sprockets, and Tubes
American Museum of the Moving Image
http://www.ammi.org
(Go to Online Exhibits, Shutters, Sprockets, and Tubes)

Shutters, Sprockets, and Tubes consists of six animated interactive tutorials that explain the science and technology behind movies and television.

This educational site, is an excellent source for learning about artifacts used in media – film, tv and sound. The site takes you step by step through interactive "slides" that using detailed diagrams, illustrate how each of these machines or devices work.

Since the first time I visited this site, I was shocked by the cleanness in design and the amazingly well conceived didactic approach it has. The theoretical foundation they used to create the content is in essence very good. But what is more striking is the clarity with which the site communicates its content by using very simple animations and diagrams.
All of these qualities define the parameters by which I will try to develop my thesis project. In particular it is the didactic element the one I consider most important to pay attention to.