Cindy forwarded a tweet to me noting the death of Dr. David Jonassen.
Many who read our posts may not recognize this name. I met Dr. Jonassen only a couple of times as our professional lives crossed. We first met through a mutual friend at the annual meeting of ADCIS (Association for the Development of Computer-Based Instructional Systems) – a technology organization that disappeared or was integrated with another organization – I don’t really know.
As often happens among academics, Dr. Jonassen influenced Cindy and my work through his writings. In the mid-1990s, I read his book Mindtools. This book proposed that students might use software applications such as word processing and spreadsheet programs not only because knowing how to use the tools was useful, but because the tools might allow students to explore academic content in powerful ways. Cindy and I used this insight in the book we were writing at nearly the same time (Integrating Technology for Meaningful Learning). Jonassen and colleagues wrote a similar book more focused by my analysis than Mindtools on preservice teachers (Meaningful learning with technology) a few years later.
When Cindy and I were discussing our interactions with Dr. Jonassen, she told me a story about their first interaction. She approached Dr. Jonassen while he was standing in front of his poster at a conference poster session. For fun, she introduced herself as “your competition” and they then had the opportunity to discuss writing textbooks.
So, because David Jonassen influenced the direction of my own professional life, I thought it important I should note his passing and recognize his many accomplishments.
BTW – I would still recommend Mindtools. This book was written back in the day when university libraries still purchased books and you might be able to find a copy in your own library.
