The fact that this class involved a lot of discussion was quite alright with me seeing as this class is one that definitely relies on open communication about ideas, theories, thoughts and opinions.

The entire media industry is one based on making and keeping connections with people, therefore this class encouraged us to branch out and discuss our progress so far.

I learned a lot by sharing ideas with my classmates, such as Miguel’s interesting experiences on public transport which prompted me to start blogging about random thoughts and experiences I have throughout the day, and Anna’s very interesting and thought-provoking opinions on blogging which I definitely could relate to.

Eliot ran us through what we want our blogs to be; entertaining, appealing outside of the course, topical, evidentially backed up with depth of thought and quality of writing.

This class was great in my progress on the Networking Media path as I was part of open discussions about ideas that have helped me in my blogging and considering of this course!

As I (unexpectedly) furiously jotted notes into a few pages of my notebook (no laptops allowed!), I thought to myself that this ‘unlecture’ was very engaging and successful because Adrian actually answered questions that we had, instead of a curriculum program outline assuming we have. The more direct answers you receive, the more clarity you get, thus engaging you more with the course.

My favourite quote of the non lecture was something along the lines of “you’re students, not sponges! I’m not going to hook you up to an IV of information and education!” I completely agree, most Uni and high school courses will do that, undermining your value as a human being and an active student. I feel that this unconventional no-sponge learning is kicking in and working for me, as I love being able to remain completely creative and individual while participating in the course.

The questions answered were all quite broad and conceptual which is good for a first week, as I felt myself really starting to understand the nature of the subject. However, my simple technical question of “how do you embed a Youtube video into a post?” wasn’t wacky funky cool enough to make it into the “yes” pile, so I’ll have to wait til tomorrow for that.

I loved what Adrian (who was wearing fantastic shoes) said about us being content producers now, and being the students who would thrive as the dynamic “media and communications” industry underwent a revolution, ultimately to be the most important sector of society in a few years time. This honestly made me feel valued and important (sorry for the cheese); something I haven’t felt in other courses which essentially tell you this industry is impossible to get into and we probably will end up running coffees til we’re 35.

This unlecture was thought provoking, engaging, interesting and helpful! I really enjoyed it, although my hand started donning the classic “stop handwriting and get back on the computer” cramp after 4 pages of old school pen to paper notes!

“Hmmmmmm”.
That mostly sums up my feelings towards the unlecture and the first week course.
Like walking into every first lecture of a new course, I opened up a fresh blank document, created a brand new folder to save it into, stretched my fingers out and prepared myself to write down every tidbit of information I was thrown, hoping that at least 20% of it would stay in my head, or at least in my Word Document.

However, at the end of the “lecture”, I merely clicked the little red cross without habitually saving it, as I had actually written no notes. I had listened. I had actually listened to Adrian’s every word (needless to say I was completely hypnotised by his fantastic shirt) and retained the information. I felt a little Dead Poet Society, half-expecting Adrian to stand on a table, kick a laptop, set a text book alight and tell us that we were no longer tools in an educational factory. Totally not complaining, that’s one of my favourite films. And although Adrian (sadly) didn’t do this, I felt like I was about to embark in a very unconventional journey that is this course and get a lot more out of it then a simple GPA at the end. To be honest, I am sick of being treated like a university robot, having information thrown at us left right and centre and being told that if we couldn’t blurge it all into a perfectly formed essay, we were failures. This is why I’ve always strayed away from science, maths and even classic English studies and more towards a creative path. Therefore, this unlecture really got me excited to creatively thrive within the organic constraints of the course and truly get something out of it in return when it’s all done.

The “Hmmm” refers to my curiosity. In no way is it a bad “hmmm,” it’s a good one! I pondered how this course and the next few “unlectures” will pan out, how I will do in this learning style, where my strengths will lie and whether or not I’ll need 398204238082340 coffees in order to complete all the assignments.

I’m excited, really excited!

I just bloody hope Adrian continues wearing such fabulous shirts.