Three years ago today, on 8/8/8, I finished my Master's Degree in Educational Technology (iMet) at Sacramento State. For my final thesis, I researched Marshall McLuhan and how his media analysis work from the 1960's applied to the 21st century. I also researched the book "Laws of Media: The New Science" co-written by Eric McLuhan, Marshall's son. The book was published after Marshall died on 8/8/88.
Marshall's famous quote "the medium is the message," is still used, though often misinterpretted. Somehow, his critics believed that McLuhan did not care about content. Instead of rehashing the arguement or reposting my lengthy and dry thesis here, I wanted to include a few McLuhanisms. At the end, I have also added photos from my former professors impromptu going away party.
"Politics offers yesterday’s answers to today’s questions."
"Invention is the mother of necessities."
"Today the business of business is becoming the constant invention of new business."
I wonder what McLuhan would say about the new political answer found in Missouri. State legislators have passed a new law to protect students from predatory teachers. Unfortunately, the "unanticipated consequences," may lead Missouri teachers to stop using social media programs. As the law is currently written, some Missouri teachers may be prohibited from communicating with their own family members.
When the Missouri legislature created the new law, I am speculating the legislature did not have access to someone like Dr. John Cowan, the former director of California State University Sacramento's iMet program. Dr. John moved to Northern Illinois University Department of Education in 2009.
Masters Anniversary - Images by bryan farley
I do not have access to Dr. John now either, at least not in the same way that I did when we were both at Sac State. Since he left for NIU, I have thought about him whenever I have heard the Pink Floyd song "Wish You Were Here." Many other times I have been grateful for other life lessons. He is such a wonderful educator that I feel his presence regularly.
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