<= =>

In the case of computers--we have convinced ourselves that we [humanists] and the students with whom we work are made of much finer stuff than the machine in our midst, and we are determined to maintain this state of affairs. This ideological position, however, has other effects, as well. As a result of the inverse value we generally assign to discussions about computers, our professional organizations continue to deal with technology in what is essentially a piecemeal fashion. We now think of computers, for instance, as a simple tool that individual faculty members can use or ignore in their classrooms as they choose, but also one that the profession, as a collective whole--and with just a few notable exceptions--need not address too systematically. And so we have paid technology issues precious little focused attention over the years. Allowing ourselves the luxury of ignoring technology, however, is not only misguided at the end of the 20th century, it is dangerously shortsighted.

- Cynthia L. Selfe, Technology and Literacy: A Story about the Perils of Not Paying Attention