The Fate of Civic Education in a Connected World

A "Fred Friendly" Seminar

Civic education is the cultivation of knowledge and traits that sustain democratic self-governance. The broad agreement that civic education is important disintegrates under close scrutiny. As the social networks of individuals become less based on geography and more based on friendships and common interests, consensus on shared civic values seems harder to achieve. American education is under stress at every level, and schools and colleges must re-imagine their commitment to civic education. This seminar will probe tensions that make civic education difficult.

[September 6] Berkman Center Fall 2011 Open House

Come to the Berkman Center for Internet & Society’s Open House to meet our faculty, fellows, and staff, and to learn about the many ways you can get involved in our dynamic, exciting environment.

Berkman Luncheon Series

The Post-Humboldtian University: Re-thinking the University's Role in Society in the Network Age

Juan Carlos de Martin, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the NEXA Center for Internet & Society at Politecnico di Torino & Charles Nesson, Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Juan Carlos de Martin, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the NEXA Center for Internet & Society at Politecnico di Torino, will speak at the Berkman Center Luncheon Series: How should the post-humboldtian, network-age university be? Which should its priorities be for the next 20 years?

Berkman Center Fall 2010 Open House

Come to our Open House to meet Berkman faculty, fellows, and staff and to learn about the Center's current activities and ways you can get involved...

Second Life: Open Education and Virtual Worlds

Charles and Rebecca Nesson

Professor Charles Nesson and Rebecca Nesson will introduce and present on Second Life in the context of Open Education.

Beyond Broadcast 2007: From Participatory Culture to Participatory Democracy

For 50 years broadcast media have played a powerful role in shaping political culture and mediating citizen engagement in the democratic process. Now a participatory culture is putting the tools of media creation and critique in the hands of citizens themselves. We invite you to MIT—to explore the means, the message, and the meaning of the post-midterm, pre-presidential YouTube moment.

Berkman Luncheon Series

Rehabilitation and Restorative Justice in Jamaica

Charles Nesson and Kevin Wallen

Charles Nesson and Kevin Wallen on "Rehabilitation and Restorative Justice in Jamaica."

Berkman Luncheon Series

How Open Will Harvard Be to Internet & Society?

Charles Nesson, Berkman Center Founder

Charles Nesson spoke about his hopes for Harvard in "How Open Will Harvard Be to Internet & Society?"

Berkman Luncheon Series

CyberOne: Teaching and Learning in Mixed Realities

Professor Charles Nesson and Rebecca Nesson

Professor Charles Nesson and Rebecca Nesson discussed a new course they are teaching called "CyberOne" combining in-classroom instruction with coursework in Second Life, a 3-D virtual environment.

Berkman Luncheon Series

Jamaica & Restorative Justice

Charlie Nesson & Members of his Evidence Class

Charles Nesson & members of his Evidence class on their Jamaica work & restorative justice focusing out countries hurt by globalization.