Gearing Up

Like most of my colleagues, I am finding it hard to believe that the new term is about to begin in a few days. Like most students, most of us are reluctant to see summer end, and are approaching the new school year with a combination of apprehension and anticipation. 

Personally, while I do enjoy fall, I am not looking forward to the winter months that follow. However, I am looking forward to working with a new group of students in a brand new First Year Seminar - one that will allow us to examine the "Wireless World" together. 

While most of you are what is known as "digital natives," I am definitely a "digital immigrant." Unlike those of you in the "Class of 2012" (see www.beloit.edu/mindset/2012.php) I did not grow up with the technology that is available today, but I do enjoy using it and learning about it. For starters, I have a Mac Book Pro, an iPod, and yes, I actually have a cell phone (and I can actually walk from the building to my car without being on it!). I also have a Facebook account, a Skype account, a Blog (obviously), and I am an avatar in Second Life. 

Over the summer I have been learning more about how technology and social networking are changing life not just for those of us here in the U.S., but for individuals and nations around the world as well. In fact, just a couple of days ago, I learned - at least according to journalist and author Thomas Friedman - that "The World is Flat." It's an interesting notion that we will explore together, along with a variety of other theories, technologies, and techniques for communicating, both in writing and with images. 

I look forward to meeting all of you next week, and working with you throughout the term.