The Chronicle of Higher Education: Colloquy

COLLOQUY

Responses


I am not in favor of approaching issues (education or otherwise) in a climate of sensationalism. One of the frontlines in The Chronicle on the Teachers College of Columbia University conference was "Skepticism about Technology." The title of the article, "As Educators Rush to Embrace Technology, a Coterie of Skeptics Seeks to Be Heard," was more descriptive. The article itself reports accurately, I assume not having been present, a variety of views that are held on the role of technology. The piece acknowledges that the conference may or may not have presented a balanced view. The frontline may get people to read the article so the means -- the slight sensationalism -- may have persuaded a reader to go to the article.

On the other hand, a colloquy (virtual or otherwise) will best delineate the issues and not inflame the rhetoric. After the delineation of the issues, the colloquy might suggest research and debate that needs to take place.

Two questions emerge, largely out of my own ignorance. First, how much of a "rush to embrace technology" exists in education (K-12, community college, bachelor degree granting universities, doctoral degree granting, and add whatever division of the questions would assistance in answering the question)? As one in higher education (largely at the masters and doctoral level) and in a context to see what is going on in higher education, I would observe (no statistical data), that I am see a small percentage of colleagues using technology in teaching. Owning a computer and using technology in research and teaching is very different. Do we have data on whether or not there was a rush to embrace the typewriter?

Second, is there any consensus on the developmental issues and intelligences? I am not under the impression that there is a consensus. The assumptions behind any conclusion about the developmental issues and learning is an issue of considerable import. Research is being done, more needs to be done. If there were a consensus, then we would be able to assess more effectively the role of computers, books, travel, play, etc. for various intelligences and developmental issues.

-- Kent Richards, Professor of Old Testament Iliff School of Theology and Executive Director Society of Biblical Literature (posted 1/16, 5:50 p.m., E.S.T.)
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