The Twelve Must See Educational Videos of 2007

Videos have been a real key to the Internet explosion. As we set forth towards 2008, we at OpenEducation.net bring you our “Twelve Must See Educational Videos of 2007.” Whether it be teaching, the changing face of education, or a combination thereof, the creative juices were flowing across the net. From the breakthrough discoveries of infants to the challenges presented by technology, the year in education has been well-documented.

If we first saw the video this year we have included it here even if it may have predated 2007. And as for must see criteria, we are being subjective. These videos demonstrated the challenges, the promise, and everything in between in the field of education.

Happy viewing.

The Amazing
In perhaps one of the most amazing of revelations, try this video that demonstrates the progress we are making in regards to learning. Babies being able to discern helpful versus oppositional behavior is beyond imagination and the educational ramification of this research is incredible.

And as for young children and the social and emotional learning discussion, consider the following video where a robot is placed amidst the young learners. How they respond to the electronic creature is nothing short of amazing.

Want to learn more about this robot and what it is capable of with young children? See this video.

The Challenges of Today and Tomorrow
Of education yesterday and the challenges of tomorrow we loved this little piece set first to the music of Bill Haley and the Comets before it moves to a techno beat:

A longer video seen by more than 2.7 million viewers on YouTube, an update of the original production from ShiftHappens, expands on the prior and tells us why the educational challenges facing America are extraordinary.

Then there is the piece put together by college students at Kansas State in a video ethnography class. Depending on your perspective, the problem lies with the other group, yet both groups see the problem. The ambiguity makes this video absolutely stunning.

Still assigning homework? See what some high-powered professionals outside education think of the idea. It is tough to watch.

Lectures, Both Good and Bad
Perhaps one of the most powerful and touching videos is that of a Carnegie-Mellon professor’s last lecture. Dying of pancreatic cancer, professor Randy Pausch delivers a spirited and engaging presentation the likes of which most of us will never see in person. For the shortened Wall Street Journal version, see:

If you want to see the whole lecture, and trust me, it is worth the time, click here.

To see the classroom of yesteryear, a teacher-centered classroom that is anything but engaging, we suggest you look at the following. We are not insinuating this is the current foreign language classroom approach.

Education, We Hardly Know You
In contrast, check out this teacher rap – one can easily see these individuals relating to today’s students. To be a great teacher at the secondary level you must be able to relate to your clients and this video shows a group with talent and the ability to relate.

To motivate the staff it may be worth a look at this business video called elements of greatness. As a school administrator, are you willing to ask your staff for greatness?

A video entitled “Technology Fear Factor” raises a critical point that we have discussed in the past: Why are schools not seeing technology as one of the core subjects of 21st schools?

This is an educational stretch, yes, but it did teach me why our current president is so funny and this talented comedian throws in a good jab at Clinton and his ability to parse words:

Happy New Year to everyone. Gobble-gobble.