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Thursday, September 12
As I was reading the weekly summaries today, I remembered a cartoon that accompanied a book review in the Wichita Falls
Times Record News about a year ago. Click on the link below to view the cartoon:
Cartoon
The book, EVOLVE, by Rosabeth Moss Kanter discusses the trend first proposed by John Naisbitt in MEGATRENDS -- "High
Tech, High Touch". Essentially, as we've discussed asynchronous distance education delivery, we've wrestled with the
pros and cons of face-to-face contact.
I have maintained that this is a function of learning style and personal preference. Extroverts need contact with
others; typically, introverts are more able to be alone.
Kanter proposes that in a "high tech, high touch" society both asynchronous communication and synchronous communication
are needed. I tend to agree with her. There are times when you just need to be in the same room with someone to
resolve a conflict. You need to hear the tone of voice, to correct first impressions, to look at the same piece of paper
together with the same eyes. Live chat is a substitute, but not a complete one. The phone can serve as well in
some cases.
Just my opinions.
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