Class Acts

Julia here. By way of introduction, computer appreciator, identity explorer, sometime activist, and Government major.

One theme I hope to focus on is how technology, particularly the internet, allows for new kinds of communities and bonds to form. What are the characteristics of some of these new networks? How do they compare to and interact with older forms of community, including countries?

Before I get to that, though, a quick look at something else from class on September 5th.

Friedman identifies three historical “flattenings” of the world, or revolutions in global interaction. The first involved a geographical expansion and deepening of how countries related to each other. The second was when businesses expanded into global trade relations. The third, which we are witnessing now, is fueled by the ability of individuals to readily interact on a global level.

When trying to determine whether Friedman or Mogler (the dot Communist Manifesto) had a more pertinent view of the process and results of the information revolution, this thought came to mind: If the new mode of production is between individuals, businesses and countries must change to accommodate and deal with individuals. So, you get (not necessarily respectively) both increased IP freedom (Mogler’s unregulated access to free information) and a level playing field (Friedman’s call centers in India and from the home) for all.

As a Class Acts collaborator, I’ll take a moment to introduce myself.  The name is Andrew Welch, the location is Williamsburg, VA, and the background is all-things Internet.  I’ve pulled cables through walls, sat in class, managed Internet departments, and run an Internet company, but I have a specific interest in how we teach and learn online.

Ted, Julia, and I begin writing at the same time I am reorganizing myself online.  I am the token Internet utopian in the group, so expect me to write often about the Internet as a positive force in society, about how our online identity is becoming an extension of our traditional identity, and about how students and educators will be most successful when they incorporate disruptive technology with their daily lives.

To that end, I am seizing this opportunity to reinvigorate my dormant personal blog.  We’ll reincarnate “the Welch blog” after a 6-month hiatus.  Most of what I post here–as well as on other blogs to which I contribute–will be aggregated to andrewdwelch.blogspot.com.

As for Class Acts… we’ll try to keep you informed and entertained.  Tell your friends, tell the world, and tell us exactly what you think.  The connected world is only as good as we allow it to become.

Track me down: andrewdwelch@gmail.com.  I’ll be there.

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