This week my students present their groundbreaking 4-5 minute speeches on Communication Technology in Everyday Life. While some students choose to give their speech on Morse Code (their opening is invariably a series of verbalized dashes and dots to spell out, "S.O.S."), others choose to discuss things that actually matter. Like World of Warcraft.
One student, Kirk, chose to speak on the importance of this game. During speeches, Kirk does fairly well but for one thing: eye contact. He spoke with his eyes entirely shut for the duration of his last two speeches. This time, after many conversations about this with me, he opened them. (Small triumph for him and for me!) He was so excited about World of Warcraft that he just couldn't contain himself! His speech actually ran to 8.5 minutes. Twenty years ago this kid would have been the world's all time biggest Trekkie. Actually, he still might be. He also plays the bagpipes.
A highlight from Kirk's speech (to be read in your most nasally, awkward 18 year old voice): "One of the downsides of W.O.W. is that you can get totally, completely addicted, like forever, and forget to pay your bills, sleep, and eat. I read on the internet that this one kid died and the people he was playing against didn't know--they just thought he fell asleep playing. Friends don't let friends play World of Warcraft."
Wow! To be so inspired to the point of opening one's eyes. "One small step for man..."
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to see what the future leaders of our country will be bringing to the table. You must be elated.