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Oct 18, 2021Liked by David Thomson

I think it is important to keep in mind that technology is not good or bad, it is agnostic. How we use the technology is the key. Does effective teaching via Zoom take a different skill set than effective teaching in the classroom? Yes, of course. Are there some courses that are diminished when taught through one medium instead of the other? Undoubtedly. But, that does not mean that we should not utilize the "tool" of online learning--we should just utilize it only when it makes sense. I don't use a screwdriver on nails nor a hammer on screws.

As to the point regarding online communication and our politics, I have to agree that this medium is contributing to the breakdown of political and civil discourse for several reasons. First, there is the well-known problem of filter bubbles. Second, there is the problem of algorithmic amplification--a problem that is very opaque and not well understood even by those who study it. Finally, we simply communicate differently through Zoom than in person and Zoom (and other platforms) afford a great amount of power to the meeting organizer to control who speaks, how, and when. This ensures that we don't all talk over one another, but also makes it more difficult to have a true dialogue or challenge a speaker on a particular point.

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Sep 11, 2021Liked by David Thomson

I think that spending so long in one role or position can sometimes make your views stagnant or resistant to change. Unfortunately I think that is what has happened here.

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