Converging technologies in higher education: paradigm for the "new" liberal arts?
This article discusses the historic relationship between the practical arts (technology) and the mental (liberal) arts, suggesting that Converging Technologies is a new higher education paradigm that integrates the arts, humanities, and sciences with modern technology. It explains that the paradigm really includes all fields in higher education from philosophy to art to music to modern languages and beyond. To implement a transformation of this magnitude, it is necessary to understand the psychology of change in academia. Union College in Schenectady, New York, implemented a Converging Technologies Educational Paradigm in five steps: (1) create a compelling vision, (2) communicate the vision, (3) empower the faculty, (4) create short-term successes, and (5) institutionalize the results. This case study of Union College demonstrates it is possible to build a pillar of educational excellence based on Converging Technologies.
Balmer
Robert T
RT
Union College, Schenectady, New York 12308, USA. balmerr@union.edu
D004517:Education, Professional / Q000639:trends*; D004738:Engineering / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D012106:Research / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends; D013672:Technology / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends