The Wired Professor: a guide to incorporating the World Wide Web in college instruction by Anne B. Keating with Joseph Hargitai (review)

(21 8) as a creation of the conservative media. On curriculum: he argues that changes ofthe past few decades are natural responses to changes in student populations , and he points out that curricula by nature are contested and change almost constantly, a "historical and desirable norm" on campuses (222). On tenure : he reasserts the position ofthe original AAUP statement making tenure necessary for academic freedom; argues that universities should not be compared to businesses in this regard, since they are in fact "nonprofit service organizations" instead (228); and points out that tenure is not unique, as its opponents argue, but is quite similar to the work conditions of "the judicial bench, medical practices , legal partnerships, orchestras, and unions" of all sorts (228). On research: Axtell argues for the ideal ofthe scholar/teacher and rejects the critics' claim that useless, forced research is a national norm by citing studies showing that most college teachers "neither publish nor perish" (237), so this charge is another trumped up one. He also points out that it does not, as critics assert, take time away from the teaching function. On teaching: he cites the many studies which demonstrate that teaching is not neglected at colleges and universities today and that no data exists to support the claims ofpoor teaching nationwide (243), that it is in fact the number one professional commitment of faculty and their first love and reason for coming into and staying in the profession. In short, Axtell explains each issue succincdy and defends each persuasively. That alone is a significant contribution to the debate. % Anne B. Keating with Joseph Hargitai. The WiredProfessor: a guide to incorporating the World Wide Web in college instruction. NY: New York University Press, 1999. 256p. Victoria Defferdinc George Fox University In this day ofon-line, quick-access information and research through the World WideWeb, the busy professor may often feel out ofsync with the rest ofthe rapid information world. Through use ofthe guidelines and suggestions by Dr. Keating, the time-challenged professor can appear knowledgable and up to speed with a modest time investment. The WiredProfessor is written for the professor who has limited knowledge and experience with the Internet. It is a combination ofInternet history, the mechanics ofusing the Internet, buildingone's own Internet tools, and a resource ofsolid suggestions for the Internet's use in instruction. The companion website to the book is also a valuable source that contains additional information and materials, SPRING 2000 * HOCKY MOUNTAIN REVIEW -j- 147 such as examples offaculty websites and links to many ofthe resources discussed in the book. With this book the professor can build his/her own website for classroom usewhich mayincludesuch elements as syllabi, links to important resources, appropriate graphics, and e-mail links. The book is a user-friendly resource. The progression from pre-internet computer history to current Internet use gives the reader a brief but clear picture of what the Internet really is and what can be accomplished through it. The book is well-organized, making it easy to find topics, resources, tips, and definitions of terms. Important terms are clearly defined. Keatings manner ofwriting is clear, well thought out, and witty. Some ofthe information is very technical, but is explained in such a way that the technologically-challenged professor is able to understand and follow the guidelines. The questions and tips throughout the book are invaluable tools one should consider when building one's own website. As the user gets more proficient in his/her use ofthe tools provided, more advanced tips and suggestions are included so one can create an even more elaborate webpage with more sophisticated graphics and links. Keating has included invaluable research links, resources, tools, shareware, freeware, and download sites. Having this information at hand is well worth the price of the book, even if one chooses to have someone else do the actual construction work of the webpage. The biggest challenge in using this book is that one must still invest a modest amount oftime and effort to achieve the goal ofa finished product. Although it is very possible to build one's own webpage/site from the step-by-step guidelines in this book, one must...