February 3, 1998 Contact: Beth Fox (615) 343-3210 beth.fox@vanderbilt.edu

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Vanderbilt "Conversations" to question technology

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Is technology working for us or are we working for it? That is just one topic that will be explored Sunday, Feb. 15, at Vanderbilt University's "Technology: Burden or Blessing?" panel discussion.

The final program in the annual "Conversations With..." series, the talk will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Vanderbilt University Divinity School Refectory. It is sponsored by the Nashville Vanderbilt Club and is open to both alumni and the public.

Participants include Vanderbilt faculty members Kassian Kovalcheck, associate professor of communications studies and chair of communications studies and theater; Terrence Deal, professor of education; Sherra Kerns, professor of electrical engineering, computer engineering and management of technology and chair of electrical and computer engineering; and David Wood, professor of philosophy and chair of the philosophy department.

"We are taking current topics of concern and using them to inform and educate the community," said Garland Rose, chair of the Nashville Vanderbilt Club's Education Committee. "We are trying to create a setting where people can come and relax. We encourage participation; this is not just a lecture by these speakers."

The Feb. 15 discussion will look at the pros and cons of the recent technological boom, Rose said. "Do you own a computer? Are you any happier than you used to be? Are we any better off?"

The cost for Sunday's panel is $10. Reservations must be made six days in advance and can be made by calling the Office of Alumni Programs at 322-2929.

-VU-

Vanderbilt University is a private research university of approximately 5,900 undergraduates and 4,300 graduate and professional students. Founded in 1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education and human development, engineering and music, and a full range of graduate and professional degrees.

For more news about Vanderbilt, visit the News and Public Affairs home page on the Internet at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/News.