Pericles Lewis, the Dean of Yale College, discussed a range of topics in his recent interview with Kathimerini. He emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education that prepares students not only for the job market but also for future contributions to society and the economy. He also expressed concern about the impact of technology on language and human thought, and encouraged taking time away from technology to think more clearly. In addition, Lewis discussed Yale’s collaboration with the University of Athens on solutions in areas of public health and the environment, which are high priorities for both institutions. Finally, he addressed issues related to education policies, including the need for government support for higher education and the importance of convincing potential students of the economic benefits of pursuing higher education.
Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis discusses the ideal educational system and the importance of technology
Pericles Lewis, the Dean of Yale College, recently spoke to Kathimerini about his views on the ideal educational system and the role of technology in education. During a recent visit to Athens, where he delivered a speech at an event organized by Yale Club Greece, Lewis spoke with Kathimerini’s Executive Editor, Alexis Papachelas.
When asked about his Greek name, Lewis explained that he was named after the leader of the first democracy, Pericles, due to his parents’ interest in Greek history. He went on to discuss the ideal educational system, which he believes should combine both public and private universities while maintaining the independence of teaching staff. He emphasized the importance of adapting to changes happening around us and providing students with the education that meets their needs and demands.
Regarding the public vs private education dilemma, Lewis believes that universities should have autonomy in establishing the course of study and conducting research without outside interference. However, he also believes that the government should provide oversight to ensure the quality of the educational program through accreditation.
Lewis also spoke about his use of technology, stating that he relies on it heavily but tries to spend time away from it in order to think more clearly. He expressed concern about technology’s impact on our attention spans and emphasized the importance of balancing the use of technology with time spent away from it.
The conversation between Lewis and Papachelas was held with the support of Accenture, highlighting Yale’s strengthening ties with the University of Athens.
Yale Dean discusses education policies, the impact of technology on universities, and the importance of humanities
Pericles Lewis, the Dean of Yale College, recently spoke to Kathimerini about education policies, the impact of technology on universities, and the importance of humanities. Lewis discussed the benefits of a mix of public and private universities, stating that private, nonprofit universities work well in areas with strong traditions of philanthropy and where students and their parents are willing to pay higher tuition fees.
When asked about policies to increase access to high-quality education for economically weaker students, Lewis emphasized the importance of government support for higher education and programs that make tuition and cost of living more affordable. He also highlighted the need to convince potential students of the economic benefits of pursuing higher education and to provide adequate salaries for faculty.
Regarding the impact of technology on universities, Lewis stated that universities should teach skills that cannot be done by computers, including critical thinking about social problems, high-level scientific research, and effective writing. While artificial intelligence (AI) presents a challenge in terms of relatively straightforward writing tasks and the risk of cheating, Lewis believes that AI can be a powerful tool if used appropriately. He suggests using AI for a first draft and then asking students to improve on the output.
Lewis also expressed concern about the perceived receding importance of humanities in relation to technological and business studies. He believes that humanities play a critical role in developing higher-level thinking skills and should not be overshadowed by technology and business studies.
In conclusion, Lewis believes that a successful educational system should combine public and private universities, provide access to high-quality education for economically weaker students, and teach skills that cannot be done by computers. He sees the value in embracing technology while maintaining the importance of humanities in shaping modern skills.
Yale Dean emphasizes importance of a well-rounded education and discusses collaboration with the University of Athens
Pericles Lewis, the Dean of Yale College, recently discussed the importance of a well-rounded education and the impact of technology on language and human thought. He emphasized that, at Yale, students receive exposure to a variety of subjects, even if they major in finance or technology, in order to prepare them for future contributions to society and the economy.
When asked about the impact of technology on language and human thought, Lewis expressed concern about our attention spans and the prevalence of short communications. He does rely on technology but also takes time away from it to think more clearly.
Lewis also discussed Yale’s collaboration with the University of Athens as part of a larger initiative involving 30 foreign universities. The goal of this program is to collaborate on solutions in areas of public health and the environment, which are high priorities for both Yale and the University of Athens. With a long tradition of engagement with Greece, including many excellent Greek students, alumni, and faculty members, Yale is excited to pursue closer partnership with the University of Athens.
In conclusion, Lewis believes that a well-rounded education is important for preparing students for the job market and for later contributions to society and the economy. He also recognizes the impact of technology on language and human thought and encourages taking time away from technology to think more clearly. Finally, he is excited about Yale’s collaboration with the University of Athens on solutions in areas of public health and the environment.
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