Eddie Woo's Story: Sharing the Wonder of Mathematics

Summary

In this inspiring talk, a passionate math teacher reflects on his unexpected love for mathematics, ignited by his desire to help a seriously ill student keep up with class through YouTube. What started as a simple video-sharing initiative blossomed into a global educational movement, showcasing the beauty and elegance of math. His engaging teaching style has captivated millions, emphasizing that education should be free and accessible to all. With over 90 million minutes of video watched, he believes in the transformative power of math to deepen our understanding of the world, leaving a profound legacy for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker initially did not love mathematics but has grown to appreciate its beauty and elegance.
• 📚 Mathematics is seen as a universal language, revealing patterns and connections in the world.
• 🎥 The speaker started creating educational videos on YouTube to support a student with a serious illness.
• 🌍 The use of YouTube allowed the speaker's teaching to reach a global audience beyond the classroom.
• 📈 As the number of videos increased, the speaker focused on improving video quality through learning editing techniques.
• 😂 A humorous suggestion for the channel name, 'rutube', illustrates the light-hearted beginnings of the project.
• 👩‍🏫 The speaker's videos gained popularity, attracting viewers from different schools and countries.
• 🎉 The excitement and engagement of students reflected the impact of innovative teaching methods.
• 💡 The speaker believes education should be free and accessible, emphasizing the democratization of knowledge through platforms like YouTube.
• 🌟 The speaker has taught significantly more hours online than in traditional classrooms, showcasing the power of digital education.

Q & A

What initial feelings did the speaker have towards mathematics in school?

The speaker did not love mathematics during school and viewed it primarily as a skill for crunching numbers.

What realization changed the speaker's perspective on mathematics?

The speaker realized that mathematics is about patterns, relationships, and connections, which can be beautiful and elegant.

Why did the speaker start creating YouTube videos?

The speaker started creating YouTube videos to help a seriously ill student keep up with the class while he was away.

How did the speaker improve the quality of their YouTube videos?

The speaker learned about video editing, transitions, diction, and tone of voice through tutorials, many of which were found on YouTube.

What was the reaction of the students to the speaker's YouTube channel?

The students found the concept amusing and suggested funny names for the channel, indicating a positive and engaged response.

How did the speaker's YouTube channel evolve over time?

Initially focused on one student, the channel grew to attract students from other classes and even other countries, expanding its reach.

What does the speaker believe about education and knowledge?

The speaker believes that education should be free and that YouTube provides a platform for the democratization of knowledge.

What impact did the speaker's YouTube videos have on viewers?

The speaker's videos have been watched for over 90 million minutes, indicating a significant reach and impact on learning.

How does the speaker view the legacy of their work?

The speaker views their work as an extraordinary legacy, potentially helping a generation to fall in love with mathematics.

What deeper understanding does the speaker believe mathematics provides?

The speaker believes mathematics helps us understand and wonder at the world around us in a deeper way.