Oregon State University Professor’s Youtube Videos are Going Viral
As online learning models become more prevalent, established universities and colleges are scrambling to make their content more accessible on social platforms. This means producing content that is relevant, engaging and fun to watch. O.S.U. Permaculture Professor, Andrew Millison may have cracked the code with the surging success of his Youtube Channel.
For certain kinds of learning there is no substitute for the hands-on, in-person classroom setting. However, with an increasing number of people working from home and spending time on social media many universities are now offering online degrees. This cuts expenses for schools and costs for students, yet competing for peoples’ attention in the era of Tik Tok, short attention-spans and information overload isn’t easy!
A Formula for Success. Andrew regularly gets over a million views on videos that are longer than 10 minutes which is extremely rare in today’s “instant-gratification culture”. Millison’s formula, unlike a catchy Tik Tok dance video, involves deep, meaningful, and inspiring content.
First of all he addresses environmental challenges that many of us have lost hope for. Today, and for decades, the climate movement and other pressing ecological issues are typically framed from a panic-perspective with scary facts and figures that leave people feeling depressed, overwhelmed and as if we are all doomed. Andrew breaks down these problems in easy-to-digest terms while presenting solutions that most individuals can grasp and begin practicing in their own community.
These video productions are entertaining and accompanied by breathtaking footage from the various sites in Hawaii, India, Egypt, Mexico or the other places Andrew visits on his journeys. By adding components of an adventure travel documentary, and cultural odyssey with educational programming the viewer becomes absorbed in the storytelling.
A Track Record for Impact. Permaculture is a design system which is informed by modern ecological science, various practices from cultures around the world, indigenous principles, and contemporary land management strategies. As they say, “the proof is in the pudding”. There is nothing quite like seeing the “before and after footage” of ecological restoration projects because this allows us to begin visualizing healing our planet. Andrew has a special gift for making things like soil, water harvesting and cultural resilience exciting.
Evolving Ecological Consciousness. Our financial system is rooted in a deep psychological disconnect from living systems. In fact many of the ways we have created society do not account for or respect basic natural cycles. The process of re-integrating ourselves with the environment that sustains all life will need to be cultural.
By understanding permaculture principles we become empowered to be agents of change. This world-view is more holistic and also gives us a deeper perspective of our place within this sacred web of life. Film, storytelling, and social media are the tools that will assist us in this much-needed cultural and societal shift. Andrew’s videos remind us that this process can be inspiring and fun.
For example, in the video below Andrew explores the indigenous wisdom of the Hawaiian Culture. He gives a brief description of the history of the islands, the Hawaiian’s struggle with colonialism, how they have adapted while keeping their ancient ways intact, and shares stunning footage of paradise. Practical solutions for water management are not only applicable in Hawaii but can be applied in any watershed.
Living in harmony with the land is a way of life that many of us have forgotten. Thankfully there are many communities showing us how to reclaim our connection with the land and Andrew shares their wisdom with us through his creative videos.
Thanks to Mr. Millison and Oregon State University Permaculture Design this information can be readily shared and enjoyed globally. Take some time to explore the many inspiring programs on Andrew Millison’s Youtube Channel and be sure to get your fingers in the dirt to be part of this global movement to heal our planet!