An old colleague who contributed to the founding of the Oxford Internet Institute in 2001 reminded me of a question he was asked back then: There is no institute for research on the telephone, so why do we need one on the Internet? Back then, I did not think the question merited an answer, but … Continue reading From Bell Labs to the Internet: A Question Worth Answering
Universities
Reading and Writing Skills: Flipping the Digital Divide?
by Ruth Shillair and Bill Dutton There has been much discussion of how reliance on digital media might undermine skills in reading and writing, as with pen and paper, and, in American education, with a copy of The Elements of Style by W. Strunk Jr.& E.B. White. But the loss of traditional skills goes far … Continue reading Reading and Writing Skills: Flipping the Digital Divide?
Reputational Crash: The Return of the Ugly Americans
As an American living in Europe, I have been surprised by the number of friends and acquaintances in the US who are angry at democratic nations across NATO, Europe, and the world for not agreeing to calls from President Trump to support his military operations against Iran. Their frustration is not simply because the US … Continue reading Reputational Crash: The Return of the Ugly Americans
Drama in the Zoom Room
A Short Scenario by Ruth Shillair* I have been followed to many online meetings by AI Assistants like Otter, which want to record or summarise my conversations and meetings. The Assistant – let’s called s/him IT - asks to be admitted to the meeting as if IT was one of the invited participants, but I … Continue reading Drama in the Zoom Room
Supporting Ukraine’s Science Diaspora
I had the privilege of attending a two-day event (23-24 March 2026) at the University of Liverpool entitled ‘The UK-Ukraine Research Twinning Showcase and Networking 2026’. It was organized by Dr. Igor Potapov and held at Liverpool’s School of Law and Social Justice. I was impressed by the number of initiatives between the UK and … Continue reading Supporting Ukraine’s Science Diaspora
CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
[Colleagues are celebrating Professor Eli Noam's illustrious career as he retires from directing the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI) and his professorship at the Columbia Business School. I am delighted to post A. Michael Noll's personal reflections on Eli's career with the permission of the author.] CITI MEMORIES A. Michael Noll January 5, 2026 Introduction … Continue reading CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
A Bad Deal for American Universities
A Bad Deal for American Universities, with an added Postscript The White House has sent a ‘Compact for Excellence in Higher Education’ to nine universities across the US.[1] The Trump administration wants to make a deal with them that is likely to be extended to many, if not all, American universities. The Trump administration offers … Continue reading A Bad Deal for American Universities
Breaking America’s Spiral of Silence
A democracy would not send military forces against its own cities. It would not defund university research that used the wrong words, such as inclusion, or shut down scientific research in progress. A US democracy would not erode the checks and balances within the government. There are many more problems, but most generally and to … Continue reading Breaking America’s Spiral of Silence
Universities in Crisis, A. Michael Noll
[This opinion piece is posted with the permission of the author, A. Michael Noll, with thanks. The author raises many controversial issues facing American universities. While I do not necessarily agree with Professor Noll's analysis, his essay could help move discussion toward an identification of issues and possible solutions, which would be valuable for all … Continue reading Universities in Crisis, A. Michael Noll
Pen and Paper: Is AI Driving Us Back to the Future?
One interesting unintended consequence of AI might be it role in reshaping examinations in academia and related activities, such as applying for a job. Multiple surveys indicate that students are rapidly adopting AI in their work. Not surprising. AI tools can be extremely helpful in writing an essay, revising any text, answering questions, drawing, translating, … Continue reading Pen and Paper: Is AI Driving Us Back to the Future?