un-lecture week 3

It is week three now, and still I feel myself frantically trying to grasp at the seams of what this subject is all about.

These un-lectures are a curious thing. I find myself enthralled, fascinated, inspired and enlightened, whilst also being confused, lost, frustrated and concerned. A combination which generally results in me looking to the person next to me and  awkwardly chuckling due to my sensory overload.

This is ok though, because these un-lectures don’t supply is with a one sentence direct answer that we can understand and spit out straight back onto our pages of notes. they provide us with concepts that we have to take away and try to understand ourselves.

I think many of us saw this as a flaw within the course, an inconvenient strain on our minds.  However throughout tuesdays discussion it became clear that this course is aiming to do just this, and with good reason.

Adrian explained that networked media as a concept is a structure that emerges through practice, an ecology, in other words it is a defined system working within an undefined platform, a concept quite comparative to the format of this subject.

Its quite  clear that Adrian is his number one fan when it comes to these left of centre teaching techniques, he has obviously found a method of practice that inspires and motivates him, although his explanations for his practices can sometimes be broad and left of centre, there is always an element of truth that keeps my attention.

Lets for example look at his take on knowledge.  Adrian believed that knowledge cannot be formed via a one way path of communication. a one way path of communication can provide an individual with information, but this will not necessarily translate into knowledge. He explains that knowledge is constructed, from a variety of different formats of communication.

Which  explains why he teaches the course the way he does, different lecturers, different communication platforms and styles. It is almost refreshing to see a lecturer practice so obviously in what they preach.

Admittedly, im still slightly lost. I’m yet to understand exactly what practical skills we will learn in these lectures that I can translate to my blogging and other communications. But im not to disappointed, because I can feel myself beginning to understand media culture, my own frame of mind and what I need to do next in order to advance in my career.

So heres a revelation… I think the aim of this course is not to teach specific skills, but instead is too provide us with the tools and mentality to be open to learning these skills.

Boom. Mind Blowing.