Wesch Reaction

Michael Wesch's speech was quite intriguing--the videos shown explored various examples of how just one individual could create a positive, worldwide effect. Furthermore, his keynote addressed both the benefits and negative aspects of growing technology. I found his speech to include a lovely plethora of information, most of which I internalized, (although at times I was distracted by the surrounding adults playing around on facebook or texting! Harumph. An illustration of the negative aspects of technology at work, and a depressing little image for a cellphone-less little child like me.)

Anyhow, regarding the section of his speech about school, I was quite interested as he was outlining facts to do with public schools. He explained that schools were encouraging the "regurgitation" of facts, rather than an input/output sort of learning method. I prided myself in the fact that in my classes, (I'm a student), this "regurgitation of facts" learning method was publicly discouraged. My honors history teacher wanted us to manufacture our own ideas, and form our own stances on problems. We had many critical thinking questions, which were not always based solely on fact. Scantron tests were also rare in that class, replaced by tricky questions that required paragraph answers. Furthermore, we created 45 minute documentaries that were applicable to real-world problems. Abstract maps, mock trials, and interactive notebooks were also part of our extensive curriculum. It surprises me that so many schools are so far behind, noted in the video with collaboration/editing by students.

Michael Wesch's speech brought so many things to my attention; it was an incredibly inspiring, powerful presentation.