Pay Phone screenshot

Their seems to be a new genre of "Did You Know" video designed to overwhelm us with upbeat music and a relentless bombardment of stats attesting to the whirlwind of technological changes going on in the world.  As if I need a YouTube video to remind me! The video below was produced by the New Brunswick Department of Education. I really enjoyed the opening question it poses - "When's the last time that you - sent film out for processing, used a pay phone, etc..." It then asks a great contrasting question - "But what about education?"

I was disappointed at the 52 second mark when I watched the film go on to contrast those antiquated activities with the innovations going on in New Brunswick schools.  I was hoping for a different contrast - interviewing students about the obsolete communications landscape of the typical classroom - when's the last time they were asked to listen to a teacher talk, write down what they heard and then give it back on a test. 

Not many pay phones around anymore, but walk in most schools and you'll have little trouble finding a lecture.

Notes to my Canadian neighbors: I was impressed with the great things going on in New Brunswick schools. The lecture problem is global. And one more thing ... can someone find another adjective to replace 21st century?

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