A Degree in Social Computing

Will Richardson asks some interesting questions about a degree in social computing being offered at the University of Michigan. He writes: "So, does anyone else find this a little ironic? I mean how in the world would this particular degree “certify” anyone as a social computing specialist any better than, um, spending a year or so just actually becoming a part of social learning network, learning from the various teachers and conversations within it, and building a rich, online portfolio that illustrates your ability to be an online community manager, social network analyst, community organizer or any of the other job descriptions they list as possible outcomes? For, um, zero dollars?"

Questions for Discussion:
1. What does it mean to be an expert in something? What does it mean to "really know" something? What does it mean to be able to do something "real well?"

2. Is there a difference between being an expert in something and being able to demonstrate that you are an expert in something?

3. Why should somebody go to college? If you don't think that people should go to college, why not? Should a teacher always encourage students to get university educations? Why/why not?

4. For an extra take on the importance of school, consider David Labaree's book: David Labaree, How to Succeed in School without Really Learning. New Haven: Yale University Press,
New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.

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