I am loving the Google Chrome videos. This Justin Bieber one is absolutely fantastic to watch as he starts a career in something he obviously loves at a very young age.
The thought that a young kid growing up in a small town, could become an international superstar by sharing YouTube videos is something that blows my mind away. Watching the PS22 chorus, seeing their growth, and their absolute enthusiasm for what they do, shows how audience really does matter, not only to the concept of engagement, but also opportunity.
Growing up in a small town in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, with a population barely above 5000, many of us felt passed over by “city kids” for opportunities. It always seemed that it was never a matter of your talent, but it was a matter of who you knew. Knowing someone has always been important but now many of the opportunities aren’t about who you know, but about how you connect. Kids and adults alike are creating great opportunities through the openness of the web and with some creativity, are doing some amazing things. Social media has the opportunity to wipe away the isolation of the “small town” and allows the best ideas and talents to be connected throughout the world.
Connection is becoming more important (and easier than) ever. Nice to think that our students will have way more opportunities than we ever did; we just have to help them find a safe and secure way to do this.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN68sT2Xt1M&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
