Things Learned During Guest Lecture
April 28th, 2008
Today, I guest lectured with two colleagues at a class for Multimedia Journalism at the University of Notre Dame. I spoke about convergence, the new developments in web culture, and other geekery. This was a group of seniors, juniors, and sophomores.
I learned a few things myself about the web culture of this emerging demographic.
- No one had heard of Twitter.
- Everyone watches video online.
- They all have sent text messages.
- Students were bewildered when I told them that I cancelled my cable because I can view everything online. “How will you watch the NFL?” Instant classic. I said, “I can still receive major network television over-the-air.” None of them knew what I was talking about. “Ever heard of bunny ears?”
- No matter how loud I spoke, some still fell asleep.
- The word “geekery” is funny.
- Very few had ever heard the old modem-telephone “bong-bong” sound.
- “Hyperlocal” is a new concept.
- They all like the new nd.edu.
- Some thought that watching video at Hulu.com is illegal. I told them, “no.”
- Even if you walk in with an iPhone and an energy drink, you still are not cool.
