In June 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest lecturer at the Wharton campus in San Francisco, where I had the privilege of teaching a class of PennCLO doctoral students about the fascinating connection between film and learning. The experience was both enriching and rewarding, allowing me to delve into the worlds of academia, cinema, and innovative teaching methods. In this blog post, I will share my insights, observations, and takeaways from this memorable experience.
Setting the Stage: The Assignment and Vision
The PennCLO (Chief Learning Officer) program at the University of Pennsylvania is renowned for its commitment to fostering leadership in the learning and development space. Dr. Krishnamoorthy, Sr. Fellow and Director of the PennCLO Executive Doctoral Program, and Dr. Canice Reimers, the Technology Block Director, envisioned an assignment that would not only challenge the students intellectually but also spark creativity and collaboration. My task as guest lecturer was to guide the students as they explored the intersection of film and learning by immersing them in San Francisco’s high-tech neighborhood.
A Unique Learning Journey: Personal Learning Groups (PLGs)
The students were divided into Personal Learning Groups (PLGs) consisting of four to five members each. Their mission was to venture out into the tech-rich streets of San Francisco, armed with nothing but mobile devices and a thirst for knowledge. Their objective? Invest two hours to visit renowned local sites, coffee shops, and parks frequented by the tech community, engaging in interviews and capturing the essence of the “tech innovation vibe.”
The PLGs followed the fundamental principles of journalism: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Armed with these questions and a deep curiosity about ChaptGPT, AI, women in the workplace, and other important tech topics, they embarked on a journey that would not only teach them about the current state of affairs in the world of tech innovation but also introduce them to the power of storytelling through film.
Capturing Stories in Motion: Filmmaking in Action
As the PLGs roamed the tech-infused streets of San Francisco, they began to understand the power of capturing moments on camera. The students took on different roles within their teams—some wielded the camera, others conducted interviews, and a select few were entrusted with the task of editing.
This division of labor allowed the teams to move swiftly, seamlessly transitioning from one task to another. The sights, sounds, and conversations of San Francisco’s tech neighborhood started to blend into compelling narratives. As the teams filmed, they started to notice stories emerging organically, revealing the human side of tech innovation.
From Street to Screen: Editing and Creation
Returning to the Wharton building, the PLGs had only a mere two hours to edit their footage into micro short films, ranging from one to five minutes in length. This race against the clock challenged their creativity and technical skills, pushing them to transform raw footage into polished pieces that encapsulated the spirit of San Francisco’s Tech Innovation Vibe.
It was so impressive watching (and learning from) these brilliant students as they created their works of art. One PLG took the assignment to another level by using AI to edit their film. Another PLG, just as impressively, used AI to write their film’s emotional narration. The following link reflects one of the films, a 2 1/2 minute fine production called “Women in Tech – SFO” produced by Melissa Monti, Durodgio Peterson, Raymond Davis, and Joseph Starchia (thank you for allowing me to share your film).
Lights, Camera, Action: The PennCLO Film Festival
The day concluded with the highly anticipated PennCLO Film Screening. Each PLG showcased their films to an eager audience, followed by a fun and informative filmmaker Q&A session. The films were a testament to the students’ dedication, ingenuity, and teamwork. They seamlessly blended captivating storytelling, evocative imagery, informative B-roll, skillful editing, music, and voiceovers to create unique cinematic experiences.
Beyond the Lens: Unveiling the Real Impact
The Filmmaker Q&A session offered an insightful glimpse into the students’ journey. It was evident that this assignment had effects on their understanding of learning, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. The students acknowledged that the power of film extends far beyond its technical aspects; it holds the potential to inspire and connect people across cultures, industries, and technologies.
Reflections and Revelations
Dr. Krishnamoorthy’s observation perfectly encapsulates the essence of the day: “The real effect of the exercise was a day or two later when they were able to internalize what they saw and reflect on what it means for them and their appreciation for technology, culture, and impact on people.” The students left the experience not only with impressive films but also with a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between technology and humanity.
As the sun set on the Wharton campus in San Francisco, it illuminated the powerful marriage of learning, film, and innovation that had unfolded that day. The experience had left an indelible mark on the PennCLO doctoral students and me, as I learned much from them, evolving the way we perceive the world of tech, the art of storytelling, and the impact that film has on learning.
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Leadership FilmWorks is a leadership development firm that uses the synergy of creative technology, film, and storytelling to inspire, teach and develop leadership. Incorporating Dr. Douglas Clayton’s groundbreaking “Total Recall” approach to training, our program upskills your leaders to manage their teams and responsibilities through changing times, facilitate a productive and engaged environment in the virtual workplace, retain talent, build strong teams, and stay competitive. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us to set up a free consultation.