HI, I haven't had problems with a decline of civil discourse, either in my face to face classes or with online discussion. Janet Dr. J. Nepkie SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Professor of Music and Music Industry Music Department State University of New York College at Oneonta Oneonta, New York 13820 Ph. (607) 436 3425 Fax 607 436 2718 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Teaching Breakfast List on behalf of Jim Greenberg Sent: Thu 4/30/2009 9:46 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Taylor Piece in NYT Some (many) or even all of you may have read the Taylor piece in the NYT on the end of the university. The link to it is: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/opinion/27taylor.html The piece itself has generated a lot of discussion, but this email is on a different issue. While reading the comments on this piece, I noticed there are many hostile remarks back and forth and wonder about "the decline of civil discourse." What has been your experience with students involved with electronic discourse in your courses? What about outside courses? What has been your personal experience? Is the electronic medium causing a decline in civil discourse? Thanks. Mr. James B. Greenberg Director Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Milne Library SUNY College at Oneonta Oneonta, New York 13820 blog: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.blogspot.com wiki: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.wikidot.com email: [log in to unmask] phone: 607-436-2701 fax: 607-436-3081 IM: oneontatltc Twitter: greenbjb "Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts forever" P Think before you print! Please consider the environment before printing this email