by Don Ely
Spring 2002
Clarence Chu, Distinguished Service Award Winner 2002
Q1: What attracted you to the field of educational technology?
"I was interested in media and communication (at that time it was called audiovisual communication) ever
since high school and therefore majored in educational media during my undergraduate study at Tamkaang University."
Q2: Who are the persons (in the profession) that influenced your career?
"Dennis Pett and Howard Levie - my dissertation committee Chair and Director, both of whom guided helped me to enjoy
doing research work and prepared me for the future. Don Ely - my most respected scholar whom I share same research interests.
George Chang - my mentor in Taiwan who has guided me to international interests, and Richard Cornell - my mentor in the United
States who gave me an international perspective and vision."
Q3: What major changes have you noted in the International Council over the years you have
been involved?
"I believe that Jenny Johnson has provided important continuity of the International Division (and later the International
Council). The goal and function of International Division/Council has not changed. However, I do see a growth of participation
and representation in the International Division/Council. There seems to be more "international" professionals on the Board of
International Division/Council than ten or fifteen years ago."
Q4: In your opinion, are the trends in educational technology in Taiwan about the same or somewhat different than
North America?
"My understanding, in terms of the development of educational technology in schools, is that it has basically followed
the same path that North America. However, different from North America, educational technology is only a newly recognized
profession and field of study in Taiwan that has developed rapidly during the past fifteen to twenty years. As the basics
of technology rely heavily on information technology, the field of educational technology in Taiwan receives competition and
challenge from people in the field of computer science."
Q5: What advice would you give a new graduate of your program who is about to begin a new position in the field?
"I would suggest putting more interest and effort on understanding people and how they communicate
rather than just being enthusiastic about media and technology. After all, it is people that create and use technology. Don Ely
wears a badge that reads: "Technology is the Answer! But What Was the Question?"
