Blog Post #8

    Randy Pausch brought up many valid ideas that apply to both teaching and learning in his video Randy Pausch's Last Lecture.  First, I will discuss how I believe that his ideas apply to teaching.  I wholeheartedly agree with his assertion of "not knowing when to set the bar", and I felt that his response to the class that fully exceeded his expectations was fully one of both tact and grace.  He also discusses at some length what he calls a "head fake", and from what I can gather, he is referring to a type of hidden education wherein you are playing a game or participating in some form of entertaining activity that is actually teaching you.  This within itself is the core theory of gamifying education, which I fully support and believe in, and I am quite sure that there are many other aspects of Mr. Pausch's lecture that apply to teaching as these were merely the main aspects that I picked up.

     Mr. Pausch also lists many aspects that are quite valuable to a learner.  My personal favorite chunk of wisdom was his explanation of brick walls.  The idea that obstacles only exist in this road that we call life to strengthen us and truly test our dedication to our dreams is one that I have prescribed to for my whole life.  Another interesting bit was his secret to success as a healthy work ethic will carry you quite far in life, and being truthful and honest is the quickest way to surround yourself with friends that will propel you forward on your path to success.  All in all, I believe that Mr. Pausch did not go silently into the night.  He went out like a super nova.

     In honor of Mr. Pausch, I have posted a picture of the battle of Thermopylae by Jacques-Louis David, a battle where many faced the odds and achieved the unthinkable while laughing in the face of death.