This week, Diana taught us how to use a webcam to capture images and input them into our machine learning model to see if it could accurately predict what was in the image. I found this really interesting, and it was also great to work with HTML again, as it’s something I’ve always enjoyed. While I remembered most of the HTML basics, I surprisingly forgot how to set up a new file in VS Code, which should be one of the easiest things to do! A quick Google search helped me sort it out quickly, but it was a reminder of how sometimes even the simplest steps can slip my mind.
It was also nice to work with JavaScript again, even though I still find it the most confusing of all the programming languages we’ve covered. Despite this, I enjoyed seeing how JavaScript interacts with machine learning models, particularly when processing webcam input in real-time. Understanding how to integrate live data into a model was very useful, and I can see how this could be applied in interactive web projects in the future.
Another highlight of the week was our visit to the Laboratory Media Education in Hellesdon. It was a really interesting experience, and I got to use a digital microscope to examine objects like pollen, moss, and flower petals. The level of detail was fascinating, and it was amazing to see how these everyday things looked under such magnification.
The 3D printers were another aspect that really caught my attention. Since I’ve recently started 3D printing on my own, it was great to see some of the larger and more complex machines in action. One thing that really stood out to me was the 3D-printed lithophane, which is an image that appears when light shines through it. This immediately made me want to create one myself, as it seems like a fun and creative project that could combine my interest in design and technology.
Overall, this week was a great mix of working with machine learning, web development, and hands-on technology. It was exciting to see how different fields like coding, digital media, and physical fabrication can come together in creative ways. Looking ahead, I’d like to explore more interactive machine learning applications, particularly ones that could be integrated into web-based projects or combined with 3D printing in some way.