Don't Be a Fool, It's a Tool!

The changing landscape of technology has opened opportunity for change in academia. The stale world that has long revolved around books and academic journals is now proliferated with Internet resources. Anything from webpages to blogs to digital maps can be used as a historical resource or as a source of inspiration.

But Ian! What's the real advantage here? Motivated people have managed successful educational endeavors for thousands of years without the aid of the World Wide Web; why fix something that ain't broke?

To respond, Embodiment of Doubt, it is "broke."

Knowledge is expanding at a geometric rate, while people around the world have used traditional mediums to transmit knowledge for centuries, new technologies lead to accessibility. While literacy rates have increased many people lack the drive to head to the local library. Furthermore, many are too intimidated by the prospect of a great body of information, seemingly endless and locked in moldy tomes, to start the a quest towards knowledge. The Internet disguises the vastness of information in a simple window. Because of its wide application, the Internet has become common to today's youth. You can socialize, make purchases, learn, and grow from the comfort of your own browser window. Honestly, kids these days feel way more comfortable with a keyboard under their fingers than a ratty old book in their hands.

But Ian! I like books, why should I have to change?

You don't have to change, if you're too intimidated by computer interfaces to adapt then you're a technophobe. Utilize it! Don't be a fool, it's a tool!

The Internet offers thousands of great features. One of my favorites is blogging; [and stated on a blog, none the less] blogging offers a sort of informal medium by which to transmit knowledge. Note the first person lean on my writing, within an academic setting it would be completely unacceptable, blogging lets me send out my ideas and also allows me to receive feedback. This can be particularly useful in a classroom setting

In "Blogging for Your Students," David Voelker discusses a few of the applications and advantages of blogging over traditional forms of classroom communication. "Blogs are open to the public, which means that students and colleagues can visit the site without worrying about password barriers. Furthermore, when students post comments, as I encourage them to do, they do so with the recognition that they are making public statements. As a result, I have noticed that their comments are more thoughtful and substantial than they usually are in walled-off online discussions."

Voelker goes on to describe the way that students can more directly see the link between their world (the present) and the subject material (generally rooted in the past) because of the simple integration of hyper-linking. When inserted into a blog post, students can engage with the material without shuffling through several sets of source material. Voelker suggests the use of an in the news section (a great idea,) but teachers can also link to excerpts from books as well as Journal articles.

OK, Ian, you're starting to win me over; but how will this help me NOW? I'm just a grad student...

Lucky for you, those brainy folks at the American Historical Association [AHA] have thought up a way to make your life easier. I know you're worried about finding someone to publish your dissertation. If it doesn't work out, how will you get tenured? 

In her article, "Talking Shop With the 'Gutenberg-es,'" Elizabeth Fairhead explains the opportunities presented in Electronic Publishing. AHA started a program to give grants and publish strong dissertations electronically citing "complaints about inadequate publishing opportunities for first-time authors"

Look, I know you're terrified of change, but it's comin' like a freight train. The Internet doesn't have to be scary, in fact, make the Internet scared of you. Use it like an intern on his/her first day - With a little time, it'll work for you.