The Vision is Already Here: e-Culture meets Education at MLI

In an attempt to delve deeper into the value and significance of modern-day internet institutions such as wikipedia, facebook, blogs and YouTube,  this month Mandel staff, faculty and fellows attended the opening lecture of a new enrichment lecture series entitled “e-vision: The vision is already here”.

“We wanted to bring the Mandel community closer to matters of technological vision,” says Irit Katsernov, the new head of MLI’s Information Technology Department, responsible for initiating and organizing the lecture series.

 “There is a tendency among many people to view information systems as solely a technical means, when actually we are speaking about the field to which all of our futures are inextricably tied, even dependent upon,” Katsernov adds. The lecture series is therefore intended to create interest, exposure, cooperation and inspiration for development at the Mandel Leadership Institute.

The first lecture in the series was given by Dr. Susan Hazan, Curator of New Media and Head of the Internet Office at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Hazan is an international expert in “Network Culture” and the fascinating virtual world of the Second Life, and author of numerous publications.

"Second life" (SL), explains Dr. Hazan, is an internet-based virtual world launched in 2003, whose impact is so great that a recent ‘Newslife’ headline demanded: “Why are millions of healthy people choosing to live their lives online?”

Those who think that Second Life is just another computer game couldn’t be more mistaken. Whatever this new virtual world may mean for us (and the approx. 8 million people registered), it is important enough that all major media, commercial, educational, cultural and some political bodies are representing themselves there. Over 500 universities have a presence in the Second Life, including Harvard, which runs an extension school for Second Life participants.

Educational institutions want to exist in the "Second Life" virtual world in order to expand their social-professional network. Hazan doesn’t mince her words on the matter: “If you’re not there, you’re not there”, she says, expressing her clear view that the future of educational activity is intertwined with information technology and virtual life.

Katsernov also sees a vital relationship between the field of Information Technology and education today and in the future:
“Currently, the world is speaking in terms of the 'information society' and the 'information economy'. Information technology in its broader sense is changing and will change major elements of educational practice. If education systems are not suitably adapted to these changes, a lag with far-reaching social consequences will be created.”

The "e-vision lecture series" will continue to address advanced subjects in the field of technology including subjects such as e-inclusion (the reduction of digital gaps) and e-Education.

Click here to download the powerpoint presentation which accompanied the lecture

For more information about Dr. Susan Hazan