Pattern: Paper 2.0

Summary	Paper is a wonderful technology, but web2.0 has some nice features. Why not combine the best of both?
Status	alpha	Confidence	2
details...		Group	Participatory learning

Problem

Paper is the ultimate mobile technology. It works in broad daylight or near darkness, never runs out of battery, is compatible with all readers, you can survive a 10 meter drop unscratched.

That said, on-line tools have their merits, some of which are hard to implement in paper:

• collaborative commenting and authoring.
• instant zero cost updates
• embedded interactive media

Context

Predominantly informal learning communities, sharing a common interest but geographically disparate.

Solution

Conduct the main expressive activity using a paper based medium, but use a participatory web medium to share, annotate and remix works.

• In small co-located groups explore a theme through drawing, sketching, collage or other forms of paper work.
• Display these works locally at a site relevant to the group (e.g. a classroom display)
• Photograph or scan the works, upload them to a shared area on a photo sharing site, embed these in a wiki or blog dedicated to the activity theme.
• Using the photo-sharing site and the blog / wiki, share the works with similar-minded groups in other locations.
• Annotate / comment on others' work using the participatory web media.
• Print other groups' works to share with your group
• Remix works from remote sites - create collages or paint over them, and upload back to the web.

Related Patterns

list other patterns related to this one, under categories such as component, assisting, conflicting, uses this, etc.

• Draw and tell
• Objects to talk with

Notes, Links and References

Liabilities, potential risks, extensions, expected side-effects

Many people are comfortable using text and speech but feel embarrassed or shy when they are asked to draw something - express their ideas as sketches. Having a community to refer to encourages us to experiment, and provides a pool of ideas for inspiration.

There's a paper2.0 flickr group

Licensing

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.