Professor explains newspaper’s role in self education

With all of the advances in technology, people can now gather news in many ways: from the newspaper to TV to the Internet.

With so many convenient options, lots of people think of newspapers as being outdated.

However, Michael Kimball, the director of the Center of Honors Scholars and Leadership and an anthropology professor, said he believes newspapers still play a vital role in society.

In March 2009, Kimball made a speech at the Presidential Scholars Banquet, in which he emphasized the importance of what he calls "intelligent wandering."

Kimball said newspapers are one way to engage in such learning.

"I sit down with a newspaper and I say ‘I'm just going to start flipping the pages,' and I wander through the newspaper," Kimball said. "Every single day when I do that, I read at least one thing that I never thought I was interested in."

Kimball said reading a newspaper provides different opportunities for learning and understanding that a person cannot receive by searching for news online or watching TV.

When people are able to choose what news and information they want to receive based solely on their interests, they could develop a narrower mind; however, by expanding the information they receive, people can expand their minds and understanding of the world.

"The layout and the way articles are juxtaposed (in a newspaper) allow you to explore and discover things you didn't think you were going to find. And, thus, understand the bigger picture and start to become interested in your place in the bigger picture."

To Kimball, finding one's place and becoming a better citizen is what intelligent wandering, learning and the college experience is all about.

"As citizens, we feel responsible for our society we want to be a participant in making the world a better place," Kimball said. "Higher education is about turning out citizens."

Kimball said technology does play an important role, though; online perspectives can provide an important tool in critically evaluating stories and events.

He also said by becoming an active participant in both the local and global society, people are able to change the world around them. Being active in society does not necessarily mean being physically active.

"You can configure your life so that you only accept the things you think are interesting, or you can reconfigure your life to be open to surprising possibilities. Take time to wander."

Kimball said everyone should allow themselves time to be surprised and take part in serendipitous learning and learn from everything.