Architecture for the Transparent University

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Architecture for the Transparent University

8/27/2003

By Terry Calhoun

Students at TU can make better-informed decisions about the courses they take by sampling recorded lectures before enrolling. Students who believe they are receiving unjust treatment or incompetent instruction, are able (indeed, required) to demonstrate this with audio visual evidence. Professors attempting to deal with misbehaving students are similarly empowered. All classrooms are public places open to anyone who cares to pay a virtual visit. Students are respectful. Teachers are professional, punctual, and prepared.

Doubts about Transparent University (TU)
But, why should we believe that what amounts to a surveillance university would promote the values of the academy? Isn't a system like this more likely to stifle individual expression and creativity, and discourage faculty from taking the risks that would ordinarily give character to their courses?

Maybe. But then some of it probably should. The university is not a place for children, and it is not a place for hypersensitive adults who lack a fundamental grasp of academic freedom, and the reality of learning at an American institution of higher education. By the same token, however, it would be just sad to reject TU on the basis that it requires adult competence and intellectual maturity to implement it effectively. Transparency will help to muzzle mediocrity and weed out the shrinking violets, but it will not silence those who take their craft seriously. Indeed, the latter will appreciate the possibility that she is reaching a wider audience.

Ideally some state systems building new campuses will be willing to adopt a TU blueprint. Existing colleges and universities could experiment more modestly by making TU technology part of their smart classroom upgrade, and by providing incentives for using it. It is possible that I am exaggerating its potential, or failing to appreciate its unintended consequences. It is worth finding out, though. That much should be transparent.

Quite a stimulating set of ideas. We found that, just as we were feeling a little hostile to the idea Mayes made a point that points to the near inevitability of much of what he is proposing. And then, just as we were feeling more comfortable with Transparent University, we were reminded of Hoogendyk and others like him. What happens to a transparent university when people with their hands near levers of power "lack a fundamental grasp of academic freedom, and the reality of learning?" Let’s find out.

About the author: Terry Calhoun is Director of Communications and Publications for the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). You can contact him through CT's IT Trends forum by clicking here. View more articles by Terry Calhoun.

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Terry Calhoun, "Architecture for the Transparent University," Campus Technology, 8/27/2003, http://www.campustechnology.com/article.aspx?aid=38430

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