My interests for my 20% lie in: developing my home network further or learning the basic hiragana character set (Japanese).
1. I would like to develop a home network with network accessible storage by adding storage to the network rather than just getting an extra hard drive to my PC. I would like to make files such as pictures or music accessible on my home network regardless of which device I use. And to be able to access a variety of different file types without needing to connect directly to the hard drive/PC to access those files.
Potential Questions:
-How much bandwidth would I need to have a stable network?
-Is my current router capable of being effective, if not, how can I make it more viable?
-How would I play non-native file formats on different devices that do not support specific file types?
-Is there a practical way to share my pictures?
-How can video file playback degrade my network and how can I compensate?
-Where can I find help/resources for problems that could potentially be very unique to my home situation?
Learning outcome:
-Seamlessly stream 2 non standard file types (.mkv and .flac) to at least 3 different devices (TV, video game console, iPad) that do not natively support those file types
2. Another possible project I could embark on is learning the basic character set for Japanese hiragana. I would like to eventually learn Japanese, and feel that by learning one aspect of the written language I could prepare for a language course.
Potential Questions:
-What apps can I use to learn?
-Can I supplement with Rosetta Stone?
-Is it practical to only learn one character set at a time?
-Where can I find people to practice with?
-How can I get constructive feedback?
Learning outcome:
-To have learned the entire basic character set.
I am personally leaning towards the home network (for immediate practical applications), but would also consider learning hiragana since I could supplement my learning with quite a few different technologies. I could then use what I learn about those new apps with hiragana and potentially use it in my classroom in the near future.