Editor's Note - December 2002

Karen Heise
M.A. student, University of Northern Colorado
E-mail: kheise2000@yahoo.com

With the world watching the weapons inspection process in Iraq, the impact of the oil tanker spill off the coast of Spain, and President Bush's next move on energy and pollution policy, it seems there is indeed no such thing as an isolated nation or incident. We are all citizens of a world that is profoundly affected by every deed we do, every calamity we cause, and every thought we think. The inter-connectedness of all things is both a comfort and a liability.

We keep thinking of technology as the answer: bigger spy satellites, better-built ships, and more pollution-trapping "widgets" to keep us safe. But the fact is, sometimes technology lets us down, and we let each other down. It holds us together by mere electrons, at once enlarging our sometimes-myopic views of each other while shrinking our actual experience of life. It is a paradox that is forever in need of solving. Surely education is equipped to rise to the task.

This month's main feature article addresses just some of these concerns. In Part 1 of 3, Ken Haley, Ph.D., offers a practical look at online education and the need to be as personal and personable as possible. Online education is fast-changing the way instructors teach and students learn--and everyone is in a steep learning curve. In January, Part 2 will focus on the nuts-and-bolts aspects of preparing Power Point and video supplements. Whether you already teach online or would like to, I know you will find it useful.

Brian English, Ph.D., brings us a timely look into the field of Ecofeminism. There is a growing segment of educators, environmentalists, policy-makers and writers who feel the links between women's oppression and environmental damage are strong, and that correcting one will correct the other. Whatever your view, give yourself an in-depth look at what this article says about the care of the environment.

Our main feature poetry for this month comes from Sayyed Mohsen Fatemi, who is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia. He brings his rich experience in language, psychology, hermeneutics, and translation to transform some of academia's most familiar names and ideas into playful verse. I think you will find it as stimulating as I did.

I am pleased to announce the return of Lynne Fukuda's regular column to this journal. We've changed the name to "The View From Here," but you will still find Lynne's thoughtful mix of personal detail and insightful observation. This month's column seems especially appropriate as she explores the deepest meanings of the term "global citizen" through the deepest ties possible between humans--those from our families.

Renard B. Harris caps our issue for the year with a frank look into the world of the "Marginalized." If there is one thing we might hope to eradicate, it is the marginalization of individuals, cultures, and therefore, nations. It is the most destabilizing force on the planet. Before we can begin to eradicate it, we must be able to empathize with those on the outside.

It is my hope that despite the uncertainties in the world, you will find the certainty of peace as 2002 passes into history. May we all exert ourselves more forcefully into 2003 as agents and ambassadors of healing to each other.

Best to you,

Karen Heise, Editor-in-Chief

Karen

Academic Exchange Extra invites reader responses to any writings in this issue--especially articles advancing the scholarly debate of issues raised.

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