.
As Strategic Lead for Technological University Dublin at the European University of Technology (EUt+), I am deeply engaged in shaping the future of higher education across borders.
Since joining the university in 1994 my career has been marked by innovation, leadership, and a dedication to nurturing talent. Highlights include the development of the East Quad as home of Arts and Humanities at the university’s new Dublin city centre campus in Grangegorman; and establishing the BA in Visual Art programme, delivered in Sherkin Island, which attracted significant attention with the formal visit of President of Ireland Mary McAleese to the island for the conferring of degree awards in 2010.
In addition, I led the development of a professional Master’s program aimed at a strategic bolstering of the Irish design sector; and developed the module Virtual Environments: Is one life enough? which is delivered entirely in the virtual world Second Life®. My contributions to education have been recognized with awards such as the Jennifer Burke Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.
Beyond academia, I’ve carved a path as a designer, founding Information Design and collaborating with national and international clients. My involvement with representative bodies, including being a founding member of Design Business Ireland, showcases my commitment to advancing the design industry. As a member of various boards and advisory groups, I have influenced educational and industry standards while advocating for the growth of design in Ireland.
The Trouble with Technology
Keynote at ‘Changemakers in Sustainability: New Visions of European Higher Ed by Empowering Internationalism and Mobility’. QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe. 11–12 July 2024, Barcelona.
In contemporary education, technology is either hailed as the panacea for affordable mass education or dreaded as a threat to our humanity. At the European Culture and Technology Laboratory, technology is understood in the context of the Ancient Greek origin of the word: technē – meaning a system or a method of making or doing, an art or a craft; a technique or a practice, even a way of thinking. The tools humans use are not merely a means of intervention in our environment but also a way of becoming human and thus, technology has a fundamental impact on our identity and our very being. Approaching technology from this perspective may elucidate the anxiety surrounding the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and virtual reality, which can appear to challenge the essence of human existence. However, it is crucial to remember that all technology stems from human creativity and ingenuity. Drawing a parallel to Plato’s criticism of writing in favour of discourse and memory – where he argued that writing would make people ‘seem to know much while for the most part they know nothing’ – those who today seek to curtail the inevitable progression of technological development, rather than harness it effectively for the benefit of society, may appear short-sighted from a future standpoint.
.
Are We Day-Dreaming Out Way to the Future?
Keynote at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) webinar ‘From Knowledge to Action: Fostering Sustainability Competences for a Better Tomorrow’ on 24 January 2024 to mark the UN International Day of Edcuation.
This paper explores the transformative impact of technology on society, drawing on Marshall McLuhan’s insights. It scrutinizes the consequences of profit-driven technological progress, particularly in VR, brain-computer interfaces, and AI hallucinations. Critiquing the dominance of industry leaders in AI safety discussions, the paper advocates a balanced, inclusive approach. Philosophical perspectives on AI and VR prompt questions about their impact on human experience. The paper proposes an educational shift to cultivate human attributes alongside technological skills. Examining AI hallucinations and gaming glitches, it raises concerns about the potential blurring of reality and virtuality. Connecting technological advancements with environmental challenges, the paper invokes the ‘Overview Effect’ to emphasize Earth’s fragility. It urges society to actively shape a future where technology and humanity coexist harmoniously. The references encompass industry events, philosophical writings, and historical perspectives, offering an exploration of the complex interplay between technology and human existence.
