Universities Embrace Technology, But Distance Learning Faces Controversy

From the archives (New York Times, 1999):   Binder "couldn't tell an A drive from a C drive before 1995."

Universities Embrace Technology, But Distance Learning Faces Controversy
Although 1998 saw a flurry of new ventures promoting online distance learning for both college-level and graduate courses, it was also a year when faculty members in large numbers began questioning whether the computer screen was an adequate replacement for the classroom.

At the same time, technology became more embedded in campus life, affecting everything from how students apply to college to how professors conduct class discussions.

Expect more of the same in 1999.

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At 93 years old, she earned her college degree from Georgia State

Best graduation story of the year at my university!
Joyce Lowenstein had some health setbacks that delayed her degree, but it didn't stop her from achieving her dream.

At 93 years old, she earned her college degree from Georgia State

Motivational Graduation Speech for High School and College Graduates

Your Graduation Inspires Me

When I participate in graduation ceremonies, I often imagine delivering my own speech to the graduates, as if I were the commencement speaker:

Good morning chancellor, president, deans, faculty members, staff, students, friends, and family members.  And to the graduates:
Every one of you is special.
Every one of you is a productive member of society.
Every one of you is what inspires ME - because… 
Every one of you has a story to tell.
I just wish I had the time to hear every one of them, and to be there as your career paths unfold.

You have already accomplished a huge milestone on that journey.  The biggest step though was just showing up.  That’s it.  The secret most people don’t get until it’s too late.  Just showing up as young freshmen was a threshold event.  Trying something which may be hard for the first time.  Experiencing new things, even if it’s unknown whether the objective is attainable.

To me, the greatest barriers to success, however you define that, are a fear of the unknown, a fear of change, and a fear of failure.  But you need a game plan, and hopefully you can lean a little on what you learned in school to figure out that route.  No matter what you do in life, you always will have your education.

I hope you made some lifelong friends here.  Frankly, I learned more about life from my peers than from my professors.  And I hope you got more than knowledge from your profs because you can get that from a book.  I’m hoping you gained insight on whatever subject, and then stamped your own original perspective on how to resolve issues and solve problems.

Many times the things you do won’t work.  And you will fail at some things you try.  That’s just a fact of life.  Abraham Lincoln once said:  “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” 

And you will make mistakes.  A lot of them!  Both in your careers and your lives.  That’s just another fact of life.  But that’s okay.  The trick is figuring out how to deal with setbacks.  Your family and friends will always be there for you.  And your education will continually serve as a foundation to get you back on track.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “We are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of our own minds.”  Graduates, each of you must unlock your mind and blaze a path built on reason and purpose.  Life is too short to spend it bouncing around like a random and aimless ball in a game of Pong.®  And whether you are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 years young, it is never too late to test the boundaries of your dreams. 

Finally, I want all of you gathered in front of me to please lose the title of “former” student, because you will be my students for many years to come.  And I expect in return that I can become your student, as I learn about your professional successes, trials, and tribulations.

Every one of you is special.
Every one of you is a productive member of society.
Every one of you is what inspires me – because...
Every one of you has a story to tell.

What will your next journey be?

Excerpt from 99 Motivators for College Success

Great Time Speaking with 8th Graders / After School All Stars Atlanta

We did a simulated First Day of Class in College.  After going over the syllabus, we covered:

LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS – First Day of Class

Theme 1: The Consequences of Winding up in Court

Theme 2: How to Protect Your Business Before Its Formation

Theme 3: Knowing Your Individual Legal Rights

Civil and Criminal Cases

Example of Civil Case: Negligence

1-      Does the defendant owe a duty to plaintiff?

2-     Did defendant breach that duty? ...

3-     By proximately causing …

4-     Damages

Palsgraf case and Proximate Cause

a-     Were the events foreseeable? or …

b-     Did the series of events break the chain of causation?

Example of Criminal Case: 4^th Amendment

Warrant to search home - Police need probable cause, based on “objective, articulated facts.”

What is suppressed evidence?

-          It depends – Were the police lawfully present?

Exclusionary rule

-          Fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine

Amazon Lists: The Best High School Graduation Gift Books

Maybe I'm a little biased on my list...

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Speaking with 8th Graders on Success in College (April 2019)

June 2018 event

Looking forward to speaking again with After-School All-Stars students in Atlanta.  This time, we will focus on the importance of the first day of class (with a simulated class), study tips, and the importance of working hard and having fun.

Very Kind Book Review: 99 Motivators for College Success

"Great College Prep Read - Perry Binder's 99 Motivators for College Success is a fantastic read for anyone in college. It makes a particularly great gift for high school seniors preparing to start their first year of college or even just considering it. The book is easy to read and humorous, while providing incredibly accurate and valuable advice for how to make the most of attending college."
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Guest Speaker: Technology Law for Entrepreneurs class

 

Great speaker today: My former student, Luis Ferrer-Labarca / Co-founder of BitcraftCrypto. Proud teacher moment! 

Technology Law for Entrepreneurs class

Perry’s L.I.G.H.T. B.U.L.B. Moments for Teachers

Perry’s L.I.G.H.T. B.U.L.B. Moments for Teachers 


L. isten to all learners 
I. nspire them with real world discussions 
G. ive hope to everyone 
H. eap compliments on students for quality work 
T. each to your strengths 


B. e available at all times, whether in person or electronically 
U. nderstand that students lack your life experience or knowledge 
L. earn from your learners 
B. e willing to walk in your students’ shoes 


Have you found your light bulb moment? 


Excerpt: #99Motivators for #CollegeSuccess 

Social Media Article Approaches 3,500 Views

This was a fun article to write:
SMH! I Got Fired 4 FB Posts On My Device And Off Company Time? GTG #YOLO

Warren Buffett said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” People worldwide affirm that statement daily with ill-advised social media posts in their professional and personal lives.

In 2007, the infancy of social media, I opened a Facebook account. With a bit of trepidation, I asked my students to add me as a “friend,” find inappropriate online content written by griping employees, post it to my wall and discuss it in class. Since then, I created several projects to educate students on appropriate uses of social media. Recently, I published these activities in a journal article, titled “Creating Social Media Law Projects to Sensitize Business Students to Appropriate Digital Conduct.”

The article describes how social media promotes “instantaneous dissemination of thought, oftentimes without filter or reflection,” in “a participatory forum of real time information clutter.” My interactive projects are designed for students to recognize good from bad digital behavior and become 24/7 brand ambassadors for wherever they work, as well as for themselves.

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