one cool thing I’m learning (on the internet) – Online knowledge sharing and tutorial workshop

«It is often considered disruptive to express excitement in work and educational settings. A serious atmosphere is deemed essential for a successful work and learning process. Entering predefined structures within institutions, such as study programs and classes in universities, and bringing a willingness to share and a desire to foster excitement often extends beyond the institutional framework.»

From: mcww.videotutorial-documentation, 2020. On the occasion of the exhibition escaleras futuras, Santa Fe, Bogotá, Colombia.

Since its founding in 2019, the collaborative teaching and exhibition projects of Ramona Kortyka, Jennifer Merlyn Scherler, Mateusz Dworczyk, and Juan Blanco have focused on issues of collective knowledge exchange and the possibilities of the digital realm in the context of institutional critique.

In the workshop one cool thing I’m learning (on the internet), the collective invites participants to engage both thematically and practically with digital, convivial tools (1). The workshop focuses on tools for knowledge sharing, particularly in the form of internet tutorials (2).

The goal of the workshop is to create a unique digital tutorial that breaks away from the typical format. This tutorial should be applicable in various contexts, such as community, work, education, or among friends. The workshop will begin on September 28th with an in-person introduction and a meet-and-greet. Subsequent sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings in October via Discord (3).

During these sessions, participants will discuss texts that explain the significance of digital, convivial tools. Together, they will explore, analyse, and critically examine different forms of tutorials. For instance, they will consider the influence of large tech companies on internet tutorials and discuss what makes a tutorial effective, as well as which open tools are available for knowledge sharing. This blend of discussions, practical exercises, and critical engagement will culminate in the creation of a unique tutorial.

At the final discussion on November 9th, the developed tutorials will be presented and discussed on-site. The results will be made publicly accessible on common.garden (4).

We encourage participants to bring their own interests and topics to the workshop, even if they are not directly related to art and culture. Topics could include gaming, fandom, crafting, open access, or cheat codes.

The workshop is open to everyone, regardless of background or education level. Anyone interested in digital phenomena and collective knowledge exchange is welcome to join. This includes individuals working in academic and institutional contexts (schools, universities, art associations, museums). For those unable to attend in person due to geographic location, there is still the option to join the workshop online.

In conducting the workshop, we avoid traditional hierarchies. We aim to learn from each other on an equal footing, not only discussing collective knowledge exchange as a topic but also putting it directly into practice.

Footnotes

(1) Convivial tools are tools that are accessible in their use and have a positive impact on collaboration and community.

(2) Tutorials are step-by-step guides. They explain everything as simply as possible and help people learn new things or solve problems. As an essential part of internet culture, tutorials enable people around the world to share knowledge and acquire skills. This shared knowledge can serve any purpose, from baking bread to video editing techniques and strategies for political resistance.

(3) The central platform for information and communication is Discord. Signing up to Discord is mandatory, and a confirmed commitment is required for participation.

(4) Common.garden is a grassroots, artist-run platform that is open to anyone who wants to create a space for informal gatherings.