User Generated Edutainment

What’s happening?

Before we get to E, let’s start with C.

Why are we moving from User Generated Content to User Generated Edutainment?!

Isn’t UGE just User Generated Content, but with us changing the last letter so we can coin a new term and pretend we’re oh-so ahead of the game?

UGE does look like UGC on the surface, but the best work in this area has something different going on: an increased focus on Pedagogy.

Although some UGE creators may not see themselves as students of the science of learning, the proliferation of access to learning about learning means UGE is on the rise.

But what’s the driving force behind UGE?

We believe it’s a combination of frustration at the current higher education system, technology lowering barriers to entry, and new delivery modes like cohort-based courses.

These are making learning about learning (and learning about teaching) far more accessible, tangible, and easily applicable.

Room to Room

One place we’re seeing UGE explode is in the classroom itself - peer learning with students teaching other students. We’re not saying students are studying Pedagogy. But perhaps learning about learning and teaching is becoming more intuitive. Students are observing teachers and putting their own spin on that content to help themselves and their peers retain that knowledge.

Because of pedagogy, some creators of UGE (students or life-long learners alike) will become influencers who happen to teach; others will become bona fide Teachers (and the new DJs).

What we do know is that as more learning about how we learn and teach becomes more engaging and accessible, the more people will use tried and tested pedagogical principles. In turn, the experiences they create will be more impactful. A virtuous circle, indeed.

The UGE trend will see...

• More quirky classes, less linear CBCs
• Mixing it up between long and short-form material
• Study groups with ASMR
• Students remixing content
• Self-directed learning
• Macro-level flipped classroom: forging partnerships with traditional institutions after a period of self-exploration

Is this the same as Teachers becoming DJs?

You may be thinking this trend seems similar to Teachers are the new DJs.

While there’s definitely some crossover, that trend is about the use of expansive new tools by professional teachers and facilitators, and established educators taking greater ownership of their work.

UGE on the other hand has a more freestyle, low fidelity vibe. It may be less polished, but there’s a far greater sense of openness and vulnerability.

In Action: UGE

Key Themes for Edutainment 3.0

Platforms double down on learning

From TikTok to LinkedIn to Snapchat and Pinterest, tech platforms are significantly expanding their educational offerings.

TikTok is testing a new “Learn” tab to show viewers content around making food, art, and science; and Pinterest recently launched Pinterest TV. This is a definite drive towards Edutainment content.

The appeal of authenticity

Yeah, we know, you’ve heard the word “authenticity” 4000 times in the last week. While we don’t love the term “authentic self” (let’s be honest - most of our full 100% authentic selves would not be the ones we’d like to share in public), this isn’t a passing fad. UGE is here to stay because it’s relatable, accessible, and real.

Influence is the new accreditation

People care more about demonstrated mastery or recognition versus traditional institutional credentials. Have an MBA from Harvard? It’s a signal, sure, but less valuable than it once was. This is why the top creators on TikTok are making more of an impact - their skills and ability to embody what they are teaching in a compelling way is what gives them their authority.

In Action: Ones to Watch