Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Public Philosophy and the Civic Duty of Universities

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

Contra Tony Bates, I've been thinking more and more recently that teaching is far from the most important thing a university could be doing, and that if they want to survive, they should reoriente themselves toward their research and knowledge centered functions. As Angie Hobbs says in this article, "the majority of modern universities should be civic institutions that engage with, learn from, and enhance the well-being of their local communities. Universities can do this by conducting research in collaboration with local business and manufacturing, supporting apprenticeship programs; co-sponsoring public debates and cultural events..." Actual teaching and learning, meanwhile, should be supported through a free and publicly accessible system of resources, learning activities, and civic enmgagements.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Dec 22, 2024 06:41 a.m.

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