Author of Western Reads book about the digital culture will speak on campus today

S. Craig Watkins, author of the acclaimed “The Young and the Digital,” will be on the Western Washington University campus Jan. 18 to discuss the book, which is the 2010-2011 Western Reads selection.

Watkins will speak at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room. His lecture will include insight on his research into social networking, the use of technology and its impact on learning.

In its seventh year, Western Reads is WWU’s reading program designed to promote intellectual engagement and civil discourse among members of the campus community.

All freshman and transfer students received a complimentary copy of “The Young and the Digital” at orientation. The book is available for purchase at the AS Bookstore on campus.

“The Young and the Digital” is based on survey research, in-depth interviews, and fieldwork with teens, young adults, teachers, parents, and technology advocates. While writing this book Watkins fully immersed himself in what he calls the "digital trenches" to see how young people learn, play, bond, communicate, and engage in civic life in the Digital Age.

“Watkins book explores the nature and effects of youth culture’s growing use of digital media,” said Mary Janell Metzger, director of Western Reads. “Watkins details the dangers and positive effects of this shift and offers a rich possibility for dialogue at Western about digital media and culture.”

Watkins has been researching young people's media behaviors for more than 10 years. He teaches in the departments of Radio-Television-Film and Sociology and the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Western Reads selection committee is composed of faculty, staff and students from across campus. Criteria for selecting the book include issues of concern to students, accessibility, possibilities for interdisciplinary conversation and opportunities for students to reflect on their own lives as learners.

Western Reads is sponsored by the WWU Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support Services and by New Student Services/Family Outreach.

For more information about the Western Reads program, visit http://www.westernreads.wwu.edu or contact the program at western.reads@wwu.edu.