Dubnick, Melvin J. and Christopher C. Long, “POLITICSNOW Classroom: Epilogue And Prologue .” Prepared for presentation at the 19th Annual Research Conference of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM), November 6-8, 1997, ANA Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Abstract:
What follows is both epilogue and prologue — in that order — for an ongoing “endeavor” to construct a civics curriculum on the Internet. The endeavor itself should be perceived as a series of distinct projects and proposals undertaken by two professionals linked by circumstance and commitment to revitalizing civic life through the joining of education to information technology and of journalism to academe. Our reflections are rooted in both experience and hope. The experience was a relatively short-lived proprietary effort to construct and maintain a web site (www.pnclassroom.com — “PNC”) devoted to bringing the resources of several major news outlets into the political science classroom. In corporate terms, PNC began as a partnership between PoliticsNow (itself a corporate partnership between Times Mirror Company and The Washington Post Company ) and Houghton Mifflin . On a personal level, PNC was also an editorial partnership between the two authors — Chris Long as editor in chief and Mel Dubnick as academic editor.
AI-Generated Summary:
This document discusses the development, challenges, and reflections on creating an internet-based civics education platform called PoliticsNow, aimed at revitalizing civic engagement through journalism and education.
Civic Education and Internet Initiatives
- The project aimed to revitalize civic life by integrating education and information technology through a web-based civics curriculum.
- The initial effort, PoliticsNow Classroom (PNC), lasted less than a year but reinforced the potential of online civic education.
Synergy Between Journalism and Academia
- PNC leveraged the combined strengths of journalism’s resources and academic insights to address civic education shortcomings.
- Both sectors saw the Internet as a tool to reconnect citizens with community-relevant information and civic engagement.
Internet Use Among Students and Civic Discontent
- Over 7 million college students used the Internet regularly in 1997, with students driving campus technology adoption.
- Growing distrust in government and declining civic participation highlight the need for innovative civic education solutions.
Challenges of Content and Delivery
- Content debates focus on balancing patriotic education, critical perspectives, and open discourse.
- The Internet’s interactive nature offers promise for engaging students but faces criticism from skeptics who see it as undermining traditional education.
Educational Strategies and Digital Media
- Critics warn against over-reliance on passive, lecture-based teaching models adapted to digital formats.
- Effective use of technology requires reconstructing educational systems to foster active, inquiry-based learning.
Historical and Pedagogical Lessons
- Erasmus exemplified lifelong, student-controlled learning through accessible texts, inspiring modern ideas of self-directed education.
- The shift toward learner-centered approaches emphasizes skills like multi-modal literacy and knowledge production.
Future of Citizenship and Education
- McLuhan’s vision sees citizens as nomadic knowledge gatherers, requiring civic education to adapt to information-rich environments.
- The role of teachers will evolve into guiding citizens on how to learn and navigate complex civic issues.
Economic and Content Access Issues
- Commercial publishers are moving toward paid content, challenging free access for educators and students.
- The demise of PoliticsNow Classroom was driven by economic realities despite its innovative potential.
Implications for Civic Engagement
- The Internet can serve as a civic medium to counteract cynicism and apathy among Americans.
- A comprehensive online civics curriculum depends on foundation or corporate support to overcome financial barriers.
Challenges of Traditional and Internet-Based Civic Education
- The course lacked conducive settings for discussions but received positive student feedback overall.
- Exam scores on standard tests were very low, indicating traditional knowledge was not effectively conveyed.
Shift in Civic Learning and Internet’s Role
- Students valued their ability to use the Internet for information and influence.
- Civic education must focus on developing skills for future civic life, emphasizing student control over learning.
Integration of Media and Academia for Future Citizenship
- The partnership between academia and journalism is vital for future civic engagement.
- Media control is shifting toward consumers, highlighting the need for civic literacy in journalism.
Lessons from the PNC Experience
- The experience underscored the importance of civic education beyond traditional knowledge.
- Redesigning curricula to include Internet tools is essential for fostering active, informed citizens.