Technology at the Center

By its very nature, scholarship is meant to be shared. Intellectual engagement prospers only through sustained and substantive conversations, which can easily become hindered by restraints of time and distance. With this in mind, the John Hope Franklin Center for Interdisciplinary and International Studies has created an extraordinary selection of technological resources to ensure that the work that takes place is quickly and creatively exchanged with the broadest possible audience.

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Public and private spaces throughout the Center boast some of the most cutting-edge technologies available. Examples and potential uses include:

• Real-time synchronous vidoeconference collaboration and exchange between Center-based groups and colleagues at other universities.

• Live and on-demand webcasting that radically opens access to Center programs and events, delivering them to the desktop. Additionally, such technology facilitates asynchronous distance learning initiatives.

• Simultaneous translation capabilities and facilities for the hearing impaired.

• A new media installation and studio space for students, new media artists, and artists-in-residence who are creating and presenting original work.

At the same time, the Center's residents and technical staff continually explore new uses for standard and emerging technologies, and how they can best be applied to research and teaching. Working with other computing and technology offices across campus, the Center will take the lead in addressing the resulting philosophical and practical challenges. For example, how can scholars in developing countries take advantage of the Center's offerings when they possess only rudimentary equipment? How will videoconferencing and international collaborations affect prevailing pedagogies? This critical engagement distinguishes the Center from existing service-based initiatives, and places it at the forefront of global universities.