Bolter and Grusin, 212-271

When media converge ...

Why are we not embracing this technology en masse? Teleconferencing is now available to pert' near everyone who's online, yet it's not widely used. For instance, I once, not so long ago, worked in a computer lab -- a COMPUTER lab -- that conducted its staff meetings at 8 o'clock on Monday mornings, about an hour from where I lived. As it happened, I had no cause to be in the city of my employment again until approximately 5:30 on Monday evenings, so I proposed that I attend staff meetings via teleconference. Proposal: Denied. WHY??? Why would we not (especially in a work setting based on technology) embrace this? I've no idea. However, it's interesting to consider how the convergence of telephone, television and computer has impacted the travel industry.

Until recently, I was enrolled in a grad Creative Inquiry involving locally grown foods, and a group of students from Cornell University joined us. They flew down for some statewide field research from Jan. 3 through Jan. 5, and for the first month thereafter, we did conference calling (telephone only). The class is now engaged in video teleconferencing. Vast difference.

Then there's the joy of seeing your best friend's baby at play, who's now 2 and whom you haven't yet had the privilege of meeting, and who will now recognize your face when you finally do show up in Bonita Beach, Fla.! Aunt Joni!!!!