Blog Assignment 7

RANDY PAUSCH

"Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dream" was an awesome lecture to watch. I won't lie, when I first saw this video was an hour and sixteen minutes, saying that I was dreading it, would be an understatement. However, contrary to my initial reaction, about thirty seconds in I realized I was really going to enjoy it.

It's impossible not to admire Dr.Pausch's outlook on life. He remains so positive, even with his terminal diagnosis. On July 25th, 2008, the world lost a truly great and innovative mind. I loved his comment about the quote "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." That is so true, and a good way to look at a situation when you think you have failed.

I also liked his outlook on people who make you angry or disappoint you. Jon Snoody told him to just give people time, it takes some longer then others, but in the end they will impress you. That is something I will have to try and imply in my everyday life when I get frustrated with others.

Considering the fact that I want to become a college professor, I really liked the tidbits he added about becoming one. He said it's one of the only places you can have your cake and eat it to. He also said it's the perfect place to help others achieve their childhood dreams. I really like the idea of that, and helping my future students reach their potential. I thought it was really funny when he said his mom started introducing by saying "This is my son. He's a doctor, but not the kind who helps people."

I also found it humorous when he said that their was no pornography or shooting violence allowed and that "you'd be surprised how many nineteen year old boys are completely out of ideas" once you eliminate those two subjects. Oh my gosh, and then the part about the star wars movies! I literally laughed out loud when he said they probably won't make any more of those and his student looked him dead in the face, serious as a heart attack and said "oh yes they will" and then they did!

Finally, I loved his teaching style of "head fake" education. I agree that there is no better way for students to learn, then when they think they are not learning. I am not gonna lie, when he said his last head fake was that this lecture hadn't been for the audience, it was for his kids, I definitely was holding back the tears. I also really liked the feedback loop. I think it is something that we could use and apply in our edm 310 classroom.

Want to know more about the Alice project, Dr. Pausch reffered to so many times? Simply click on this link The Alice Project