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Written by Shambhu Sharan The Shorthorn staff |
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Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:08 PM |
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Douglas Rushkoff, social and media theorist, author, and professor of media studies New School University, brings a unique and animated style of speaking to UT Arlington’s Focus on Technology series Wednesday in the University Center, Bluebonnet Ballroom. In his lecture, From Sputnik to MySpace: The New Education Race, and How to Win IT, Rushkoff argues that we need to begin teaching technological skills to students, not just using technology to teach. (The Shorthorn: Tim Crumpton) Douglas Rushkoff, social and media theorist, spoke on how evolving technology changed the way society communicates. The bestselling author and New School University media studies professor said that as media technology evolved from print to broadcast to internet, people changed from passive investors to active doers. He called this transition a media renaissance. “When we have media renaissance that happens in all area of the society,” Rushkoff said. About 300 faculty, staff and students attended the lecture on Wednesday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Rushkoff said the beauty of the Internet is its ability to connect people separated by long distances, but that the Web has a specific role. For example, students need to keep Facebook out of the classrooms so they follow along with the professor. He said students spending hours on Facebook are not creating anything, while bloggers publish information for almost anyone to see. Finance major graduate student Philip Oilepo said he enjoyed Rushkoff’s presentation, which related humans to technology. “Human beings must not be blinded by the technological advancement,” Oilepo said. “I agree with him regarding getting back from the technology. The technology makes life easier.” Rushkoff said the economic crisis has taught people to find a long-term business strategy, to share resources and see the people’s value. Businesses should care about human values instead of profit alone, he said. “There are many human values that are not reflected in GDP and shareholder values,” he said. Computer science freshman Jason Houghstow, said he liked Rushkoff’s talk. “I liked the ideas he gave to educators, some of the current ideas and problems going on,” Houghstow said. “I can use some of his ideas and keep in mind some of the problems he pointed out as I’ll approach my own education.” Pete Smith, distance education assistant vice president, said Rushkoff’s presentation was intellectually challenging. “We brought topics of technology and ideas and Douglas was that perfect mix,” said Smith. Suzanne Montague, information technology vice president, said 22 departments displayed tables to hand out information to the faculty, staff and students. The event was organized to raise awareness about the available departments’ resources. The UTA Bookstore sold books autographed by Rushkoff. Rajat Mittal, electronic research administrator director, gave information about her department at the event. “It was a good opportunity to learn and collaborate among the departments so that we are not reinventing the wheel,” she said. |
