[1] From: ENTER_USERNAME_HERE <ENTER_USERNAME@inconnect.com> (30)
Subject: Re: 10.0496 humanities computing graduate programmes?
[I pass along the following message although the userid is less than
informative and the message itself seems to have lost its signature. Would
the sender please identify him- or herself? It looks as if the Internet
provider in question has a less than fail-proof menu system... --WM]
> [1] From: Nelson Hilton <nhilton@parallel.park.uga.edu> (10)
> >
>
> A group here is considering what a possible "graduate certificate in
> humanities computing" might entail, and are very interested to hear about
> courses actual or imagined which readers think might figure in such a
> program.
Coming from the commercial world, I approach this question from what is
perhaps an academically unorthodox point of view -- first consider real
world issues, then determine if and how humanities computing can fulfill a
need, and finally craft / develop a course. My conclusion is that
Humanities Computing may be part of the solution to one of the most
pervasive problems our society faces, e.g. boredom / apathy / lack of
success in the classroom.
There are approximately 5 million computers installed in K-12 schools in
the United States alone. By and large, these machines are used as expensive
typewriters -- their potential as "teaching technology" has not yet been
reached. Is it possible that searchable electronic texts, multi-media
materials, the internet, etc. can be combined with a pedagogical approach
that:
* More effectively engages the attention of the student ...
* Shows students how to construct and pursue discovery strategies of their
own design ...
* Imparts both knowledge and skills that are useful in life and career ...
Before going further along this avenue, might I ask whether this line of
thinking merits further discussion, is of interest to other members of the
list, etc.?
Best,