Kurt Forstner studied English and History at the University of Vienna at a time when the vast majority of academic papers were still written on mechanical typewriters. In the meantime, he has become fascinated by developments in New Media and English language teaching methodology, particularly those which actually help students and teachers achieve their aims. Nonetheless he remains critical of aberrations and fads. His academic interests include literature, film, the theatre (in particular the London stage), politics, and philosophy, as well as many others. At the Department of English he teaches language competence courses.