Module Submission
24th April 2026
Student Name
Nick Gellatly
Blog: www.theoldtimes.co.uk
Student ID Number: 1025128
Module Name: Thinking Digital
Module Code: 2025 MOD007295 TRI1-2 F01CAM
Personal Learning Manifesto
- https://theoldtimes.co.uk/2025/09/22/the-manifesto/
- https://theoldtimes.co.uk/2025/09/23/my-personal-manifesto/
A copy of my personal manifesto of which I keep a copy in my diary and on the wall in my ‘Shed Office’ where I do my work outside of weekly sessions at University. This post includes information concerning the development of the class manifesto and a video of my personal manifesto process together with a detailed description of each of the streams of my personal manifesto.
Personal Use of AI Policy
I use artificial intelligence tools in my work. I say this plainly and without apology. I am always the author, AI does not direct my practice, I direct it. These tools extend my reach and open creative possibilities, but the vision, the judgement, and the final call are mine. I bring critical thinking to every output, I attribute AI’s contribution honestly, and I am developing my AI literacy as a deliberate professional and academic choice.
Portfolio Contents
Victorian Machines
I explored Victorian machines, contacted the author and podcaster Dr Anthony Delaney who pointed me towards the queer inventor Hertha Ayrton and her life-saving WWI anti-gas fan.
Reflection on Researching Victorian Machines
It struck me that while researching Victorian inventors, I found myself searching for queer lives that were rarely named as such. Not because they did not exist, but because the social and legal realities of the time made honesty dangerous.This reflection led me to think of an idea for the Digital Content Creation Module which can also be found in my blog here: https://theoldtimes.co.uk/2026/04/23/digital-media-production/
Turing
In this post, the focus shifts from Victorian hardware to the invisible logic of software: algorithms. We explored Alan Turing’s “imitation game” and interacted with the early chatbot ELIZA to question the boundaries of machine intelligence. Crucially, we engaged with Safiya Noble’s Algorithms of Oppression, debating the myth of “neutral” technology.
Wasting Time on the Internet
In this post, after reading Kenneth Goldsmith’s book, I experimented with Claude AI which wrote a summary for me. This post is, therefore, AI generated.
The Project – Victorian Smart Bike is Born!
In this post, I begin to experiment with the idea of a modernised Victorian Smart Bike and post some of the initial AI generated images.
Cybernetic Serendipity and Fluxus Experiments
The most fun element of this class was posting a Fluxus experiment around the Ruskin Building corridor. As you will see in the post, I received a few replies together with an invitation to join a medical study.
To Be A Machine
Zombie Media and memes.
Meme Culture
In this post, I talk about memes and find another connection to my Digital Content Creation project – which could well be a meme.
London Trip
All three year groups of the Digital Media Production course visited the Natual History Museum to see David Attenborough’s immersive story – Our World – and to see some of James Norton’s work in the London Museums.
Video Games and Alternative Controllers
A focus on the bicycle as an alternative controller
All Mod Cons
I explored how home automation and streaming have evolved since ARPANET, reflected on my own memories of early mobile phones, and considered the autonomous, immersive technology ahead.
Right to Repair
In this session, it began to dawn on me how taken in I have become by the throwaway society, I take it for granted and had never really given it a thought before.
The Victorian Smart Bike Project
During the Easter Holidays I worked on developing the Victorian Smart Bike idea and the posts above focus on it’s evolution and include a recorded version of the pitch (which I am afraid is longer than the one I delivered in class).
Final Week
In this final post of the project, I reflect on the pitch, my colleagues ideas and the module as a whole.
End of submission
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