1. What is the purpose of this media/information resource?
This video, “Patrick Awuah on Educating Leaders,” is intended--as the TED motto indicates--to “spread ideas.” It asks us to consider the role of critical thinking in leadership, and the role of Africa in the world.
2. How is this produced?
TEDtalks in general are recorded in front of live audiences. They are published free on the internet by the TED foundation.
3. Who created it?
The TED foundation gave Mr. Awuah the opportunity to speak. Mr. Awuah wrote and gave his own speech. The speech was filmed. TED published it online.
4. Who is the intended audience? How do you know?
The intended audience are people who are open to information in order to incite change and people who are willing to learn about topics they may not necessarily already know a lot about. We know this because the TEDtalk was about lack of effective leadership in Africa. Members of the audience may be inspired to help facilitate the education of effective leaders in Africa or at the very least, become aware that this problem exists. If you paid to attend a TEDtalk, it is because you want to learn something.
5. What is the main message?
The main message is that lack of effective leadership in Africa is negatively affecting the economy and society. By changing the education system to educate students to think critically rather than passively in Africa, one can contribute to a solution. Another important point made is that all leaders, African and otherwise, in all areas of society, need to be educated purposefully and capable of complex problem solving and creativity.
6. Who benefits and what do they gain?
Mr. Awuah benefits from the exposure, personally and professionally. His college probably also receives publicity and prestige. TED benefits by hooking more of us with another interesting talk. And we benefit by being exposed to new ideas. If the right person watches this TEDtalk, areas of African society may benefit from being the focus of a person ready to make a difference.
7. What would have been my information needs that would have led me to this video?
If I was interested in issues within African society, specifically economically and socially, this may be a good video to watch. This video also expresses how lack of critical thinking skills affects society as a whole and how education is a key solution to this problem.
8. How would I understand, organize and assess the information found?
To understand the information, I would simply watch the video. Mr. Awuah explains his purpose well. To organize and assess, I could complete this activity, which encourages me to question what I have watched. Having a discussion about the video, and answering questions, can be an integral part of the synthesis step.
9. Identify and explain the Big6 steps you're applying in this activity.
Task Definition: We had to find the assignment and rubric on Moodle, choose a video, and divide up the tasks between us.
Information Seeking Strategies and Location & Access: We looked through the list of TEDtalks online and chose one we were interested in.
Use of Information: We used the information in the video to answer these questions.
Synthesis: We had a discussion about the video and organized our thoughts and ideas by answering the questions.
Evaluation: We formed opinions about the speaker and his message.