“Communication technologies change, but the fundamentals of good, true, and beautiful communication are age-old.  How can we communicate better with one another—along with or sometimes in spite of new technologies?”  These are the thoughts of this week’s media scholar and Blog of the Weekend, Dr. Quentin J. Schultze.

Dr. Schultze (the “e” is silent) is a professor, writer, and speaker who earned a Ph.D. in communication from the Institute of Communications Research at the University of Illinois.  He is the Chair and Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I was fortunate enough to participate in a devotional he presented at the now defunct Internet Ministry Conference several months ago.

Dr. Schultze’s scholarly publications have appeared in several dozen journals.  He has also written over a hundred articles for general-interest periodicals.  He has been quoted in most of the major media, including The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Fortune, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and many other publications. He has been interviewed by CNN, CBS Radio, NBC TV, National Public Radio, and dozens of additional radio and television stations.

Professor Schultze received the Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching at Calvin College in 2000.  He has consulted for a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations on communication-related issues and opportunities.  And he mentors communication scholars and practitioners across North America.

His  book Habits of the High-Tech Heart addresses some of the issues surrounding the new media and Christianity. I highly recommend the conscientious & prudent mindset of Dr. Schultze.  He says, “much of my research has focused on the impact of communication technologies on groups, corporations, families, schools, and religious institutions.  I am particularly interested in how new communication technologies such as email, blogs, twittering, and podcasting are affecting society and individuals.  Are they making us more responsible and compassionate?  More effective at work?  Do they improve our communication?  Are we more patient and empathetic because of new technologies?  Or are we more prone to gossip and snap judgments about others?  How can we use the new technologies wisely and well?”