The “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” class at Stanford has begun with over 145,000 students. I remember lecture classes being large but not quite this large. 😉
The first class lecture is up and I am impressed with the delivery mechanisms chosen for the class.
For example, I have seen graphic tablets used in math videos to draw equations, examples and lecture note type materials. I checked the pricing on such tablets.
Guess what they are using in the Stanford classes? Paper and different colored pens. Well, and printed materials, maps and such, that they can draw upon with the pens.
It doesn’t hurt that both of the presenters are world class lecturers but it also validates the notion that very simple tools can be used very effectively.
Not to mention that the longest each segment has been so far is about 3 minutes or so.
Can say a lot in 3 minutes (or less) if: 1) You know what you want to say, and, 2) You say it clearly.
Another nice aspect is that they are using what appear to be cgi-based graphics to embed quizzes (another low tech solution) at the end of videos.
Points for me to remember: Creating educational materials need not wait for equipment that I then have to master (though I will have to practice using a pen) in order to be productive. (It will be nice to have a pack of pens in different colors, cheaper than a graphics tablet too.)