Then What - Reviews

Readers' writes

 

What the critics say

Comments from reviewers and readers ...

"I'M PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE NEW MCLUHAN HAS NOW ARRIVED, IN THE PERSON OF JASON OHLER..."

"In 1988, I had the pleasure of interviewing Hugh Innis, the son of Marshall McLuhan's mentor, Harold Innis. Said Hugh: "We desperately need another McLuhan to give us some ideas about where the new media are going. Nobody is providing his kind of stinging, probing overview. Without a McLuhan to see the big picture, we're traveling blindly into the future." I'm pleased to report that the new McLuhan has now arrived, in the person of Jason Ohler. Read THEN WHAT?, and see where we're headed."

Robert J. Sawyer, Nebula Award-winning author of CALCULATING GOD

"ONE OF THE FEW TECHNOLOGY CRITICS WHO HAS BOTH A SENSE OF HUMOR AND THE ABILITY TO TELL A STORY..."

"If you are concerned about the ways technologies have shaped our lives, but still want to have some fun thinking about solutions, tune in to Jason Ohler -- one of the few technology critics who has both a sense of humor and the ability to tell a story."

Howard Rheingold, author of TOOLS FOR THOUGHT, VIRTUAL REALITY, and VIRTUAL COMMUNITY

"JASON OHLER DOES MCLUHAN ONE BETTER IN THEN WHAT?..."

"Marshall McLuhan is considered by some as an oracle of the electronic age, but Jason Ohler does McLuhan one better in THEN WHAT?

Clothed in originality, intelligence, and a fierce regard for learning in the information age, a cast of wacky characters takes us on a grand adventure into the future with just the right degree of wit and serious insight. Ohler has a prodigious talent for making technology understandable by anyone. THEN WHAT? is a book to ponder, to have fun with, but most of all to learn from. If you have yet to discover the unique voice of Jason Ohler, you have a special delight awaiting you."

Geri Borcz, EPPIE 2000 Award winning author of DEVIL'S KNIGHT; EPPIE is an award granted by EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection)

"PROFOUND, PRAGMATIC, FUN. IT DESERVES A WIDE AUDIENCE."

Ohler's goal is to use technology to make ongoing education less of an activity and more of a lifestyle that you can't escape and don't want to because you learn hot to attack real-life problems in your community. The book maps out that journey. He dramatizes the power of involving students in their own learning, personalizing the experience and treating every student as an indispensable part of teams that address projects to improve the community. The route is at once profound and pragmatic, democratic and educationally challenging, ethically ambitious but not self-righteous. It is fun. It deserves a wide audience."

Robert Landauer, Senior Editor, The Oregonian

"...INVALUABLE AND INSIGHTFUL..."

"THEN WHAT? is both a delightful romp through and serious treatise on a lot of important subjects in today's technologically dependent world. Ohler's conclusions on education are invaluable and insightful. This book ought to be read by anyone who works in the fields of technology or education."

Michael A. Burstein, Winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer at the 1997 World Science Fiction Convention, LoneStarCon2; Secretary of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (1998-2000)

"...I AM VERY SELECTIVE...THIS IS A BOOK I WILL READ SEVERAL TIMES..."

"THEN WHAT? is a seminal work in the field. I have read Clifford Stoll's The Cuckoo's Egg and Seymour Papert's The Children's Machine several times (so far), this book is in that league. Ohler artfully draws us into his world where provocative ideas, innovative concepts in education, and self-assessment are delightfully painted by his engaging style. Ohler is a visionary who reduces complex issues to an understandable level through his writing skill and personal experiences. I am very selective--this is a book I will read several times.

Dr. Rob Reilly, MIT Media Lab

"THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE...AN INSTANT CLASSIC..."

"An instant classic for the eclectic reader who loves science fiction, time travel, new age, serious speculation, and Marshall McLuhan. Run to your computers and get a copy of Jason Ohler's, THEN WHAT? A Funquiry Into the Nature of Techology, Human Transformation, and Marshall McLuhan. This book is for everyone. Told in a witty voice, you'll be amazed at what's in store for the world. Congratulations Mr. Ohler. You have an entertaining voice and exciting future ahead."

Diana Kirk, best selling author of "Song of Isis" and 2000 EPPIE winner "A Caduceus is for Killing"

"...REMINISCENT OF HARRY POTTER... FOR ADULTS WHO WANT TO UNDERSTAND...THE DIGITAL AGE AND HAVE A GREAT TIME DOING IT..."

"Ohler has written a "Harry Potter" book for adults who want to understand the issues of the digital age and have a great time doing it. Ohler takes us on a fun, allegorical romp beyond technology to a place where the only reasonable response to our societal obsession with microprocessor speed and wider band width is "then what". A more cynical author might have said "so what", but Ohler pushes beyond the simplistic negativity of popular media to suggest that the problem with technology is really the behavior of the people who use it. Technology is just an amplifier. Ohler casts the educator as the unlikely cultural warrior committed to right action in the information age and creates a vision for educational technology that will inspire America.

"Its kind of a Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy meets Marshall McLuhan with some Merlin and Arthur on the side, a host of quirky characters, and a good measure of astute observation on human behavior in the information age. It's a must read for teachers and a great read for the rest of us. When they make the movie it will be a cartoon with big name actors doing the voices. Can't wait. "

Chris Dray, Executive Director, Yukon Arts Centre Corporation

"...MARVELOUS DIDACTIC SAGA..."

"Ohler's marvelous didactic saga of education reads in one sitting and reminds us that technology is as useful as we know how to use it.

In the search for the virtual world equivalent of Proustian "temps perdu", Ohler's novel, THEN WHAT?, tells us of a fast-forward generation representative William Tell, who looks like Harry Potter, acts like an extremely benevolent Kevin Mitnick and learns of a new dimension like Carroll's Alice. William leaves school in order to enter the "real world" of work and study as a network engineer, but loses his normal life somewhere on the way. In the beginning of the novel, William is a horror version of a technological idiot: six years of performing in the world of coffee flavours and uniform clothing turns him into a disappointed and indifferent young man who still lives with his mother for one sole reason: she is a substitute for his virtually non-existent social life.

Tell's tale deals with the struggle to leave a monotonous world of computer data and re-enter the real world of learning and communication. Every fairy tale has its wizzard, so does this one: an old beggar Credo takes William on a journey thru time and knowledge, teaching him the lesson of life... Lori Anderson would say that technology is a fire around which we sit and tell our stories. The fire can both warm us and burn us down. Her words and Ohler's have something in common - although they may be pretentious, they are true."

Vladislava Gordic, Ph.D. in American Literature, Assistant Professor of American and English Literature, University of Novi Sad, author of several books about American authors (Carver, Hemingway), literature columnist for Yugoslav daily "Danas"

"...THOUGHT-PROVOKING...WITH DELIGHTFUL HUMOR...MCLUHANESQUE..."

"Food, clothing, shelter...and THEN WHAT? Jason Ohler leads you on a thought provoking journey tempered with delightful humor that explores the who, what, when and where of McLuhanesque possibilities. Are we empowered by our technologies or enslaved by them? How do we define ourselves in a rapidly changing environment? How do we interact with the world around us and what responsibilites do we have both as learners and as educators to our global community, to ourselves and to future generations? And, after all the mountains have been climbed, books written and read, degrees awarded, and values systems analyzed . . . THEN WHAT?"

BJ Berquist, Art Teacher and Associate Educator, TAPPED IN (a virtual online professional development community of practice for educators)

"...A GREAT BOOK...A BREATH OF FRESH AIR..."

"THEN WHAT? is a great book. It is an experience that exists somewhere between high tech sorcery with words and a breath of fresh air from the other side of the looking glass. The timing is perfect for Jason's book and it deserves all the success that I am sure will come its way."

Margo Nanny, Interactive Learning Design

"...PERFECT BLEND OF FICTION & NON-FICTION... (PACKED WITH) UNCOMMON INSIGHTS..."

"In a perfect mix of fiction and non-fiction, we find an up-to-date, even slightly futuristic, view of modern Internet technology, as seen through the eyes of the main character, a network engineer at a large corporation. The book becomes an intelligent deprogramming manual for the modern unfufilled and unbalanced technology-drenched lifestyle. Ohler has managed to pack uncommon insights in a remarkably present-day scenaria, especially illuminating various issues of education."

Robert Pearson, Creator/Owner of ParaMind Brainstorming Software and Creative Virtue Press

"A WONDERFUL AND IMPORTANT BOOK..."

"Ohler has written a wonderful and important book that helps interpret the meaning behind the use of technology and our relationship to it. I would make THEN WHAT? required reading for people seeking meaning behind technology in our society."

Dr. Kathleen Allen, Senior Fellow, James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership

"A MUST-READ GUIDE FOR EVERYONE..."

"Somewhere between Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy, The Matrix, and Monty Python , Ohler creates a must-read guide for everyone seeking to understand today's students and the techno-organic world that has spawned them."

Darin Sennett, Director, E-Book division, Powell's Books

"IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN!"

"What an entertaining and educational ride! Jason Ohler takes us through the looking glass into a world in which the present intersects with the future, technology is both exciting and terrifying, and the only thing that is important is creating an educational system that is innovative, responsive, and humane. It is a world in which technological invention is seen for what it is: a manifestation of all our hopes and fears, tragedies triumphs, myopia and vision. In this world teachers are the most important people in society as they help those overwhelmed by the speed and glitz of innovation realize what is truly important in life: understanding how to live a technological lifestyle with compassion and wisdom. Ohler is philosophical explaining everything from the spiritual basis for machinery to the importance of Marshall McLuhan, in terms everyone can understand. But Ohler is also practical, revealing in his last chapter a blueprint for schools of the future--that could be a reality right now if we "...only had the nerve."

In the land of THEN WHAT? Jason Ohler clearly understands it will not be about the technology, but about relationships, partnerships, and learning community. Reading this book is to look into the future through the open eyes of a true teacher. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, readable book for anyone who wants to understand life and learning in the digital age. Once you pick this insightful book up, it is simply impossible to put down."

Mark Standley, co-author of Global Project-based Learning with Technology, or School/Business Partnerships

"THIS ENTHRALLING STORY ADDS...SPIRITUAL DIMENSION TO LIFE WITH TECHNOLOGY..."

"Jason Ohler has a delightful and witty writing style. If you loved his last book, "Taming the Beast," then you will be captured by THEN WHAT? This enthralling story adds another mysterious, even spiritual dimension to life with technology. I recommend it highly."

Dr. Netiva Caftori, Dept. of Computer Science, Women Studies; Director, Inter/National Board of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility

"...ENTERTAINING AND ENLIGHTENING ON MANY FRONTS, FROM THE TECHNICAL TO THE CULTURAL TO THE PERSONAL..."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading THEN WHAT? and found it entertaining and enlightening on many fronts, from the technical to the cultural to the personal. It was a little spooky how this book gave voice to many thoughts that I have almost had, but not had the context before to really express. A wonderful feeling of relief comes when someone names a demon that has been riding like a nagging splinter in your sweater, poking you occasionally but eluding your grasp. Jason has named a dozen such demons that our culture has been struggling to acknowledge as it tries to understand the real potential of the "information age."

Matthew Blais, software consultant, writer, musician, healer and contributor to SpiritWeb

"MORE MULTIDIMENSIONAL MASTERY FROM ONE OF THE GREAT DIGITAL STORYTELLERS OF OUR TIME..."

"More multidimensional mastery from one of the great digital storytellers of our time. Trust Ohler to be so relevant - here his hero hails from neither The Shire nor The Matrix but is the battling head of a busy IT department knitting networks, balancing dilemmas and encountering a cast of characters reminiscent of Bunyan but minus the scruples!"

Damian Ryan Chairman, Digital Media Intelligence Dublin, Ireland

"...FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A GREAT BOOK AND HAS A DEEP INTEREST IN TECHNOLOGY...RARE COMBINATION OF WIT AND WISDOM..."

"THEN WHAT? is a must read for anyone who loves a great book and has a deep interest in technology. Jason Ohler is that rare combination of wit and wisdom. He takes you on an allegorical adventure as the reader follows the exploits of Credo and William Tell making their way through the world of technology. At times comedic, always insightful, Ohler weaves a story that explores the questions and concerns raised by technology in the new millennium. In the process he offers a compelling vision of what education can and should become when the power of technology is understood and employed creatively. Using the novel as a vehicle for exploring thetransformative power of technology, Ohler makes all of us think, laymen and technology guru alike, while we enjoy a good read at the same time. Now that I think about it, it's probably time to read THEN WHAT? again."

John Davies, Author, EDUCATING STUDENTS IN A MEDIA SATURATED CULTURE, DOA: EDUCATION IN THE ELECTRONIC CULTURE

"...WITTY, ARTICULATE...HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIA AND HUMAN RESPONSE..."

"Jason Ohler is a perceptive, witty, articulate spokesman with highly developed communication skills in helping people to understand the relationship between media and the human response. THEN WHAT? is a charming and easy read that stimulates your imagination. It contains unique and worthy insight and Ohler covers a wide array of topics. I recommend it to my masters and doctoral students in media studies and media psychology."

Dr. Bernard J. Luskin Director, Media Studies and Media Psychology Programs Fielding Graduate Institute

"...THOUGHT PROVOKING... ENTERTAINING... (A) MUST-READ..."

"THEN WHAT? represents a thought provoking journey into the potential realities of our technological future. Master of the metaphor, Jason Ohler is at his pedagogical best weaving his messages through the adventures of his memorable cast of zany characters. A must read for anyone interested in shaping our future technology agenda and having some fun while engaging in the quest."

Dr. Michael Adams, Director of Distance Education, College of Education, California State University, Sacramento

"I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES STORIES AND WANTS TO UNDERSTAND THE AGE THEY ARE LIVING IN..."

"Jason Ohler's THEN WHAT? plucks you from the light speed changes occurring in our tech driven society and gently places you on a boat slowly drifting down the river of culture. The sharply defined and humorous characters point out not only what we benefit from, but what we lose when our technology fantasies turn all too real. By the time you are finished, your world will be a bit different. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who loves stories and wants to understand the age they are living in…"

Brett Dillingham, Director, Storybox Storytelling Theatre

"THIS ENTERTAINING BOOK WILL INTRODUCE A BROADER AUDIENCE TO (JASON'S) IMPORTANT IDEAS..."

"Dr. Jason Ohler has spent over 20 years helping educators learn how to use technology appropriately to increase learning. This entertaining book will introduce a broader audience to his important ideas. I continually use a quote from his book to motivate inservice teachers, inform parents and inspire students:

"There is no more important position in society than that of teacher, especially in this culture, especially now. The future is rushing up to meet us with unbelievable force and our survival, as well as the quality of our survival, depends on the quality of our teachers."

Cristine Crooks, Director, Educational Consultants, Alaska, K-12 teacher and administrator for 30 years

"BRILLIANT...TRUTHFUL...DELIGHTFUL..."

"Then What? is brilliant, truthful, and filled with hidden and not-too-hidden wisdom. It is delightful to read."

Beth Vishnevsky, poet and columnist for The Greenwich Village Gazette in New York City

"...(AN ELEGANT) HIGH-TECH FABLE (THAT) REVEALS...POWERFUL TRUTH..."

"Jason Ohler's high-tech fable elegantly reveals a powerful truth: Intelligence is not the same thing as wisdom, and who we were yesterday doesn't determine who we can be today ... or tomorrow."

Leslie Guttman, journalist and author of Message Pending, an e-mail love story

"DR. OHLER CURES THE COMMON COLD!"

"Dr. Ohler cures the common cold !!!" ---- Nothing like a few days off and a great book to cure what ails you. A unique blend of fantasy with an ample portion of brain itching reality, keeps you glued to the possibilities of THEN WHAT?. If only teaching and learning could happen like this. Guided to a profound conclusion, by a uniquely crafted, colorful host of characters THEN WHAT? leaves you dreaming for the fantasy sequel and hoping for the reality lesson."

David Sprowl, Musician, Everyday Blue Collar Boeing Spaceship Machinist

"I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY..."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading THEN WHAT? As usual, Dr. Ohler has made me think, and he's done it with a delightful sense of humor and a crafty turn of phrase. I recommend it to anyone who is concerned about the future of education and technology in our lives-which should include everyone."

Carole Novak, Manager, TECHNOS Press Editor, TECHNOS: Quarterly for Education Technology Agency for Instructional Technology

"...GREAT...AND COMES AT THE RIGHT TIME..."

"THEN WHAT? is a great book. Ohler's insight into teachers, and how technology can ruin a perfectly good education if not used judiciously, reminds us that computers -- particularly those used in the classroom -- are only as good as the people using them. For years, people have considered technology the end-all of classroom instruction, when it is -- at best -- a means. The best teachers are those who consider students first and develop a vision to educate them. The worst are those who consider technology first, as a "clever" replacement for solid classroom instruction. Ohler's book comes at the right time in our development when we are realizing that the technology revolution is overrated and humbling.

Ohler is a skilled wordsmith with an amazing ability to articulate collective conscience. His use of metaphor in Then What? proliferates his message more clearly than any stodgy tome would. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of living and learning in the digital age."

Karena O'Riordan, Britannica.com Education