In about a week's time, I'll be speaking at the University of San Francisco (USF). As part of their Digital Literacy course, to be exact.
Actually the whole thing was confirmed about two months ago. I didn't want to blog about it until things were firmed up. Like seeking approval from my employer, confirming travel arrangements, finalising the content of my talk (all these on top of my regular work)...
So now it's a week before I fly.
I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Maybe I'll share more about that in another post...
With a week left, I'll air some thoughts on what I'll be speaking at USF. For now, you may want to refer to Prof. David Silver's course syllabus, which he posted at his blog.
Extract from the MS Word document:
Facebook and Fox News, tivo and TV, youtube and yahoo, books and blogs, ipods, iphones, itunes, ieverything – we are pretty much swimming in information. How do we navigate through it all? How do we find the good stuff? And which kinds of information should we use for which kinds of research and creative projects?
At the same time, information, it seems, is changing before our eyes. Today, in our Web 2.0 world, information is often something we both consume and produce. What does it mean, and what possibilities are opened up, when we can add to and annotate, comment on and contribute?
In Digital Literacy we will explain what literacy means – and can mean – in a digital age, our age. We will read, write, and reflect. We will design, create, and construct. We will participate, contribute, and collaborate.
Upon course completion, Davies Scholars will learn:
How to navigate, evaluate, cite, and contribute to existing knowledge;
How to construct and manage a creative, collaborative, and responsible digital identity; and
How to collaborate (preferably effectively and creatively) with others.
First time I saw it, I asked David if I could sign up for the course. :)
I'm scheduled to speak on Feb 14, a day after I arrive in SF.
Details of my talk was finalised after David posted his syllabus, so in the document it says "To be determined".
Which might be a good thing for me, because I'm still refining the contents of my talk. I don't know about other speakers but up till the final minute, as I learn more about my audience, I'm still modifying my talk, adding and deleting stuff.
My talk will centre along these main talking points:
- Senior Citizens
- Digital Media
- Singapore
- Role of Public Libraries
Oh yeah, from the list of guest speakers, it seems I'm the only one outside of the U.S.
I'm nervous and excited at the same time.
I said that already. :)
[part 2]
link: Davies Forum Speaker Series: Ivan Chew
hello ivan!
ReplyDeletewe are all excited about your soon-to-be visit. and i've added new readings to the syllabus for the week you speak.
i must say, this is one special class - we look forward to hosting you.
also, there are actually two non-US speakers - gayla trail, the brains and creativity behind you grow girl, is coming in from toronto, canada.
And I look forward to being there! The list of guest speakers you've managed to invite is simply awesome. You're not kidding when you say this is one special class.
ReplyDeletehi ivan,
ReplyDeletei attended the first night's speaker--mary madden from the pew internet & american life project--and i can say that you're in for a treat. the students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions. the audience was a mix of students, librarians, and interested folks, all focused on the topic at hand, and all contributing to the supportive and warm reception.
it's going to be fun! see you soon...