This faux infomercial, currently airing without disclaimer at 4am on US cable network Adult Swim, takes some smart and merciless shots at MOOCs, gamification, and, of course, for-profit online “universities”. The level of detail here is impressive: pausing reveals hilariously complete mockups of user interfaces for things like managing “ThoughtCoins”, reporting other students for fraud, customizing shoddy Second Life-style virtual classroom avatars, and cashing in academic credits for sandwiches. “Whenever I want to learn something,” exclaims one of the breathless interview subjects, “I just buy some more ThoughtCoins and download some more facts.” The dystopia implied by the satire here should serve as a cautionary touchstone for anyone interested in exploring the roles privatization and technology will play in the future of education.
Created by Wild Aggressive Dog.
Hat tip: Sarah Brin.
FPOU: a comic provocation about the future of postsecondary education http://t.co/KZpkRksINu
RT @remotedevice: FPOU: a comic provocation about the future of postsecondary education http://t.co/KZpkRksINu
RT @remotedevice: FPOU: a comic provocation about the future of postsecondary education http://t.co/KZpkRksINu
RT @remotedevice: FPOU: a comic provocation about the future of postsecondary education http://t.co/KZpkRksINu
RT @remotedevice: FPOU: a comic provocation about the future of postsecondary education http://t.co/KZpkRksINu