Comments on: Do We Need an Internet Ed. Class?

By: Daniel Seung

Daniel Seung — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:55:44 +0000

Why do universities need internet?

By: Mike Madison

Mike Madison — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:21:07 +0000

Red Asphalt – that takes me back! It’s a classic. But that film didn’t teach me anything except how to laugh at real images of violence. ;-(

By: Deven

Deven — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:18:45 +0000

Mike and Kevin,

I think that the Internet is a scary place may be an inevitable part of the message (think Red Asphalt). And yes the potential for not so great instruction (or even obsolete instruction regarding the state of the art) is high. Still, the idea of explaining wise use and unintended consequences seems like it would persist as useful ones regardless of medium.

Also I wonder how much those with technology comfort think about the way the information may have a life of its own.

On a different note, I think there were some efforts to take a public service approach to the area and have parents teach kids about safe sites, sharing personal information, and so on. Whether it is institutionally done and the best way to get there, is an open question for me.

Last, Kevin, when you say collaborate, what did you have in mind?

By: Kevin Donovan

Kevin Donovan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:22:02 +0000

This idea, and Mike’s qualification, are very intriguing. As a college sophomore, I still remember the nightmare that is the generation gap. Teachers are often taught by students who are more adept at using the Internet. But my feeling is that this is changing incrementally. Young teachers who have grown up w/ digital technologies are, understandably, much better at utilizing tech in the classroom and any Internet Ed. initiative should recognize this.

Perhaps it would be an interesting endeavor to invite collaboration on creating a curriculum for Internet Ed.

By: Mike Madison

Mike Madison — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:15:31 +0000

Very interesting idea — but I fear that the dominant implementation would be along the lines of “the Internet is a very scary place!” If you think that university IT is often underfunded, understaffed, short on expertise, and beholden to know-little and want-to-know-less administrators, wait until you meet secondary and primary school IT!