Could History be the New, New Thing: Archiving Could it be that the digerati are beginning to wonder about the origins of such ‘innovations’ as video communication, AI, remote work, and more? Are they discovering that all these innovations have a long history in the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs)? These questions arose … Continue reading Could History be the New, New Thing? Archiving
MSU
Staying Connected to the States
Staying Connected to Media and Information Policy in the States I may have left the USA and Michigan State University (MSU) to return to my home in the UK, but my days at MSU’s Quello Center have left me with a continuing interest in following developments in media and information policy worldwide, and in the … Continue reading Staying Connected to the States
An Inspiring Graduation: Congratulations to MSU
I had the good fortune of attending the 2018 graduation ceremony at MSU. I always find these occasions to be a reminder of the importance and responsibility of an academic career. However, this celebration on 4 May 2018 was particularly significant to me. First, it was my last, before I head off to Britain for … Continue reading An Inspiring Graduation: Congratulations to MSU
Last Class at MSU
I met for the last time with my last class at MSU in the Department of Media and Information. In a university with over 50,000 students, I am still able to teach a small class with three students - a virtual small tutorial. This one was on media and information policy with students doing papers … Continue reading Last Class at MSU
Who Named MSU Spartans? Stephen George Scofes
Mystery Solved: The Spartan Who Named Michigan State University’s Spartans: Stephen George Scofes After the second world war, Stephen George Scofes ran a restaurant in Lansing, Michigan, called ‘The Famous Grill’, where he became friends with coaches and athletes at Michigan State University. He came up with the nickname for MSU – the Spartans. Here is … Continue reading Who Named MSU Spartans? Stephen George Scofes
Why is the panic around echo chambers, filter bubbles, and fake news?
A report we just completed for the Quello Center on 'Search and Politics' concluded that most people are not fooled by fake news, or trapped by filter bubbles or echo chambers. For example, those interested in politics and with some ability in using the Internet and search, generally consult multiple sources for political information, and … Continue reading Why is the panic around echo chambers, filter bubbles, and fake news?
Wonderful Student Team on Study of Whiteboards at MSU
I am working with two of my masters students on a study of the issues that arose over whiteboards in the dormitories at MSU. The students presented their conclusions yesterday, and today they finish their paper. I'll then work with their paper to develop a working paper that we might blog or disseminate in various … Continue reading Wonderful Student Team on Study of Whiteboards at MSU
Moving the Academic Needle at MSU: 28 New Faculty Join Communication Arts & Sciences
At a previous university, I called the university's press officer with the exciting news that we had just hired a new chaired professor. She responded immediately, saying: “Bill. 'University hires a new faculty member' is not news.” Granted, that is indeed what we do. But hiring twenty-eight to thirty new faculty – yes, 28-30, depending … Continue reading Moving the Academic Needle at MSU: 28 New Faculty Join Communication Arts & Sciences
Ways of Being in the Digital Age: A New ESRC Project
Delighted to be on the Advisory Board of a new ESRC Project, entitled 'Ways of Being in a Digital Age: A Systematic Review'. The project is led by the Institute of Cultural Capital at the University of Liverpool in collaboration with 17 other partner Universities and organizations. It is a scoping review designed to inform … Continue reading Ways of Being in the Digital Age: A New ESRC Project
All-Star Class: A Record for this Professor
Attending an awards ceremony at MSU I discovered to my surprise and delight that every member of my class this semester was a recipient for an award for their academic achievements. True, I have a small seminar, of 5 students, three MA and 2 PhD students in a seminar on Media and Information Policy. But … Continue reading All-Star Class: A Record for this Professor