What is it about a crisis that it brings up long forgotten lines and songs. Am reminded these days of the Thin White Duke’s line, ‘putting on some clothes I made my way to school, and found my teacher crouching in his overalls…’
Oh yes…..let’s forget spring break baby, it’s time to retool…and your university will send you lots of links……but no real help in ironing out the kinks…..it’s all about you dear teacher, all about you. What’s that you say David? ‘Let me collect dust….I wish someone would phone.’
The reality is most academic responses to the virus (from administrations to individuals) are rather useless. It’s like giving the soldiers at the front line who ask for support a report on the context of war — possibly correct but not really what’s needed at this moment. Right now, professional associations, university administrations, and a few advocates for IT are pushing the general listing of ‘things to consider’ and ‘possible solutions’ but offering bugger-all leadership or direction. Am sure many will be getting awards for their imaginative efforts in due course too. Plus ca change.