| Just one word . . .
some reflections by Maurice Barnwell Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto |
| The first communication was
site specific. Then there were
manuscripts and later
books. We learned to access information one image, one word, one line, one book at a time. A millennium ago
libraries began to provide the supporting infrastructure to knowledge. All the information on geography, math, design or any other area was preserved on linear shelves of discipline. A reverent silence provided further reinforcement to the strict approach to information access and utilization.
Now, imagine every image, every word, every line of every book published and every manuscript penned. Imagine an ethereal, constantly fluctuating multiverse where every image, word, line and book is in constant and alterable connection with every other image, word, line or book - no shelves, no barriers, no discipline - that, my friends, is the internet. The security of what is known is being supplanted by the anarchy of chaos. But, as we all know, even chaos has order - as artists, designers, students and educators the invigorating challenge is to seek that order. In previous social structures hierarchical formats have imposed a singular way of seeing and thinking, reflective of geopolitical controls, pre-focussed cultural attitudes and other imposed constraints. With over 4 billion people on the face of this particular planet there are now an equal number of "right" paths. The internet provides personal empowerment, regardless of all constraints. In all recorded history learning has followed the master to student format - not any more, we are all equal in the exhilarating milieu of the internet in education. Tolerance, respect, etiquette and ethical principles will be our guides through all the information that the world has to offer and maybe, just maybe, make possible the wisdom needed to design a humane global village. |