Web surfing new college pastime

By Suzanne Johnson, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 7, 1998

Beer drinking no longer No. 1 favorite, design department chairman says

Web surfing has replaced beer drinking as the No.1 pastime on college campuses, said Chuck Leinbach, chairman of the design department, at Tuesday's Odyssey panel discussion on "The Virtual Self."

Leinbach moderated the panel which included: Duane Luce, of Creative Capers, Les Sinclair, executive vice president of Cognitive Diagnostics and former producer of "The Merv Griffith Show," Mike Mahoney, associate vice president of information technology at Cal State Long Beach, Mike Godfrey, a CSULB business professor and Rich Fernanz, one of the designers of Disneyland's new Tomorrowland.

The panel members all agreed with author Sherry Turkle's idea that people take on different personas when on the computer. The aspect of anonymity breaks down the barriers of inhibition, allowing for greater self-expression, Turkle said.

Many worry that computers are supplanting skills that, presumably, only humans can do. The consensus of the panel, however, was that computers are just another tool. Basic skills and foundations will not disappear as a result of improved technology.

"It is not personally productive to wrestle with whether technology is good or bad," Godfrey said.

What we have lost in the embrace of technology is the journey from apprentice to master, but what we do with it is a reflection of the self and a product of social will, said Luce.

"The invention of the Internet is as important as the invention of the printing press," Mahoney said.

Its impact reaches far beyond the realm of technology, Mahoney said.

The idea of distance learning, obtaining an education via the computer, received mixed reviews. Mahoney stated that it is a valuable alternative for those who live in remote areas, are disabled or are caring for newborn children at home.

He said that contrary to popular belief, distance learning is an active form of learning. Students are often more willing to voice opinions because no one is physically present to criticize them.

The role of the professor in distance learning is to act as a facilitator and guide the students to self-discovery. The focus is on assisting learning, not just teaching.

Godfrey encouraged the audience of approximately 50 students to get involved in technology, even if their involvement has no profound impact on the world.