Monthly Archives: September 2013

Learning from Thamus

The following commentary focuses on the opening chapter of Neil Postman’s book Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. Postman (1992) urges readers to recognize the importance of developing an awareness that the introduction of new technology results in a … Continue reading

Tagged | 1 Comment

The Virtual Library is Here

The concept of a “virtual library” sounds out of date in 2013 which is exactly what James O’Donnell is telling us would happen but I’m not sure if it is because the “virtual library” is now a reality or because … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Virtual Library is Here

Writing and the Nature of Learning

The shift from exclusively oral communication to the use of text-based methods significantly altered the nature of knowledge acquisition, particularly human memory capabilities, information processing and collaborative learning. While the ability to write enables individuals to preserve their stories and … Continue reading

Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Writing and the Nature of Learning

Of Thamus and Theuth – Reflecting on the Self

I believe that writing has facilitated the “reflective self” and that this is both beneficial and detrimental for humanity. Writing allows humans the ability to capture ideas in a time capsule. In other words, literacy allows us to turn back … Continue reading

Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Of Thamus and Theuth – Reflecting on the Self

Deduction or Induction

The course website that we are using applies a deterministic computer algorithm. This algorithm requires deductive reasoning. If A = B and B = C, then A must equal C. This top down reasoning allows for logical constructs where with … Continue reading

Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Deduction or Induction

Is Technology Turning Back Literacy Time?

In Orality and Literacy (1982) Ong documents the development of writing and its effect on culture by presenting a number of dichotomies between primary oral and “chirographic’ literate cultures. He states that writing transformed our society and re-structured our way … Continue reading

Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Is Technology Turning Back Literacy Time?

The Spectre Haunting Online Learning

For this formal commentary assignment, I have chosen to expand one of the suggested questions about Ong’s approach, as I am particularly interested in the dichotomies that arise in psychology and in education. Two of the major criticisms of Ong’s … Continue reading

Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The Spectre Haunting Online Learning

Introduction: Mike Singh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/melissarachelblack/4618808583/ I chose this image for several reasons.  Firstly, as Scholes discovered, the common theme in regards to the Greek origin of the word text is creation or birth.  What better day to celebrate birth than your birthday?  Also, the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Introduction: Mike Singh

A Change in Perspective: A Way to Combat Present Challenges

Hello everyone, As we move forward and discuss the emergence/evolution of text and the implications/impacts on Western culture, I always wonder about the implications for the rest of the world. This image of South America forces us to redefine how … Continue reading

Posted in Introductions | Comments Off on A Change in Perspective: A Way to Combat Present Challenges

Summary of the Introduction Posts

When reading the introductions posted to the weblog, I was astounded at the variety of images, thoughts and impressions relating to text. Each post highlighted a unique insight into the nature and capabilities of text, which were selected for different … Continue reading

Posted in Introductions | Tagged , | 1 Comment