Introducing Ponder's Project for the Humanities

At Ponder, we always have a lot of irons in the fire, whether troubleshooting technology problems for our pilot schools, thinking about big data issues, or just trying to build the best educational technology for you that we can. But one project we are especially excited about is our Humanities Project.

At Ponder, we believe that technology can be used to enhance the study of the humanities, but we are an exception. Much of educational technology is focused on STEM. It’s no surprise, then, that over the past few years, popular opinion has maintained that technology and an increasingly high tech economy threaten the future of the humanities. Yet, we know, as you do, that the humanities are as important as ever, if not more so, as we enter this uncertain, complex future.

With this in mind, we are working to bring together teachers, thought leaders, journalists, engineers, businesspeople, and others to make the case for the humanities in a high-tech forum, pitched to a high-tech audience. Occasionally, we will feature some of our favorite professors, friends in the tech world, and others who wish to discuss what the humanities mean to them. If you want to participate, please let us know!

For one of our first interviews, we had the pleasure of chatting with Roosevelt Montas, Director of Columbia University’s Center for the Core Curriculum and professor of American literature. He is a great champion of the liberal arts and also a great friend of Ponder. See our conversation below for a fascinating take on the future of technology in humanities education.

As you watch, take note of Columbia Teachers College EdLab’s Vialogues platform, which we’re using to host the videos. Comment on the conversation as you watch; it’s awesome.