I was saddened today to learn of the passing of my friend Gary Boyd, Professor at Concordia University in Montreal. Gary exemplified scholarship in education technology and came to personalize what I think are the necessary, but far too uncommon characteristics of scholarship and application of new technologies and pedagogy to teaching and learning.
I first met Gary in 1988, when Robert Sweet and I went on a research trip to Concordia. I still remember two things about that first meeting- first the vivid introduction to scholarly mess – Gerry had mountains of texts, papers, floppy disks and conference proceedings spilling out and over his desk and the floor. Second, I also remember his big smile and very warm greeting to Robert (a past Concordia colleague) and to myself, At that time, I was about million psychological miles from an academic vocation and life style. I was impressed by both aspects of Gary’s life.
