Over the last year, there were a few discussions (and stories) about kids posting not-so-attractive videos of teachers in classrooms.
All of the videos I saw myself showed teachers being not-so-attractive (as opposed to just being pranked), so I never felt the empathy or outrage that some demanded. Act poorly to anyone -- even/especially a student -- and expect it to go global in this day and age. Instead of trying to outlaw video cameras (or cell phones) in classrooms, perhaps we oughta have a host of conversations IN SCHOOLS about what it means to go viral. Good, bad or indifferent. You can't keep cameras out; you can only work on enhancing culture and communication and supporting human beings being decent to each other.
If you have yet to realize the raw power of a video camera combined with a sense of humor, a little editing effort, and the ability to publish in a blink of an eye, this video of a Delta flight gone wrong is a great example for you to consider. Thanks to Robert Scoble for posting it originally.
Imagine being a corporation/business that has an employee that acts poorly or a situation that is handled badly due to "paperwork"...and NOT assuming its being videoed and eventually edited and published on-line for the world to see. Just imagine. Naive, at best. For airlines, in particular, this poses a slightly delicate issue. I particularly appreciated the 'irony' within the music, the look of the video guy/protagonist, and the way the story tells itself. Definitely appreciated that the creator of the video didn't need to rant or rave or carry on. A great example for English students, too. Let the details themselves -- well chosen -- carry the story. Be weary of excessive adjectives. Consider irony.
Classroom or business, its a new world in the hands of the consumer/student. And everything is global.
What I've learned from quite a bit of airline travel...
1. Always bring a snack. I usually bring one or two 500 gram packages of mixed nuts. These will actually keep you fed for four or five hours. What you are looking for is high food value, low weight.
2. Always bring water. You can't take water through security in Canada so I buy it in the departure lounge (bring change, you might have to use vending machines).
If you live somewhere where you can't take water with you, bring food with a high moisture content. Like, say, oranges.
3. Bring entertainment. This means your iPod and your computer. I use noise cancellation headphones - the only defense against a quartet of screaming babies. Bring extra batteries or rechargers.
4. Travel early. By that, I mean, travel at least 24 hours, and usually more, before you need to be somewhere, even if it's a short flight (and especialy if it's a long one). Plan, in other words, for a delay or cancellation.
Posted by: Stephen Downes | June 28, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Stephen -- As a guy who used to lead a wide range of outdoor education trips with students (including one that spent 3 weeks wandering the Canadian Rockies), I'd say with confidence that I'd bring you with me anytime I travel in extreme conditions (and definitely by plane). A seriously focused travel suggestion. Thanks!
Now that I travel with a baby often, I can technically survive as long as I am comfortable drinking his bottled formula and munching on pureed fruit. But I like your suggestions better.
And as one of those guys with screaming baby (rarely, but it does occur for few minutes as he adjusts to altitude), I agree on the iPod and batteries!
Cheers, Christian
Posted by: Christian | June 28, 2007 at 08:57 AM