What Does Dr. Cobitz like to study?

Briefly, just about anything that has a strong foundation in the philosophy that underlies our world.

Democracy is founded on the premise of citizens who are knowledgeable and capable of understanding complex concepts.  Jefferson discussed these citizens as "renaissance men" this is a good characterization (although gender biased).  Fundamental to this notion are two important institutions, schools and libraries.  Schools provide citizens with the ability to learn and gain new insights, libraries are the repository for these insights.

In late 20th century society, libraries allow citizens to access knowledge.  The divide between the "haves" and "have nots" is growing.  In example, 50% of white households have computers vs. only 25% of minority homes (according to a recent issue of Time magazine).  As we move forward, libraries will ultimately be the hope for those citizens without Internet or other computer access, in the same way they provide the access to books for those who otherwise could not afford them.

More specifically, lately I have been working to do some practical applications of network technologies:

Where is this going?

A current project about to begin is the development of on-line activities supported by a classroom magazine.

An on-line database development project co-sponsored by the NC DPI.

Interactive cartoons

Assessments of social justice awareness

A center for instructional technology related materials development