From Papyrus to Cyberspace
Technology is often seen as an indicator of the development of a society. Researchers are often questioning about the impact of technology on human culture and civilization. In this broadcast O’Donnell and Engell gave an insightful discussion about the evolution of technology and further they enlighten some issues due to advancement of technology on language and society. They suggest that there is always a loss and gain of new technology. It is important to note that this advancement of text in Technology has brought the world closer.
O’Donnell thinks that the world has changed and an individual’s role has also changed with time. Now the words reaches to masses as knowledge has become a communal phenomenon. He values technology and electronic medium but he also suggest that we need to make muddle and rational choices and keep a balance. In insists that we need to know who we are and what our values are when we are understanding and adapting technology.
Engell analyse the transformation of education due to technology. He emphasizes that the main challenge is the integrating of old technology with the new technology and the fast evolution of education technology. Further he insist that face to face to instruction is still needed.
Humans have been using technology from Stone Age to internet age. It is interesting to note that all the different artefacts from cave painting, manuscript books, maps, engraving, photographs, DVDs, newspaper, computers and tablets, all have served one purpose. They were all used to show human thoughts, feeling, knowing and learning. Most importantly, all these technologies have not been limited to nations or languages, in reality they have transformed cultures and societies.
Both the commentators are a bit cautious but at the same time they are also optimistic about the advancement of technology as it can bring countless and positive implications. I personally find this discussion very stimulating as they uncovered how one technology is replacing the other and how this advancement is rapidly changing our lives. It is imperative to note that we are experiencing a massive revolution and this advancement is bringing an irreversible change to the world and to the ways we receive and process information.
Reference:
Engell J. & O’Donnell J. (1999). From Papyrus to Cyberspace. [Audio File]. Cambridge Forums.
Cave inscription- Licensed under Attribution via Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from; https://www.flickr.com/photos/lobodrl/5273499083/in/photolist-9314xZ-juS9of-oCuiB2-9FvfMo-cX7XDf-bShw6e-hBu7bP-p7jQTC-DwMNA-9s2XpL-8K8Eq-oN3rMf-nSzoRC-o8vkVD-o18h9a-bAbPjC-jjS5HS-75KbWq-9NmNnP-5UKjXy-e8yyEV-dUMdnU-ejQcmH-nC4wEj-pVqdb5-ruMuQE-cvRuYm-hB1b4z-kciWya-povJYm-qCvVec-apSuvr-q72jNG-pNaeM2-oUkN6g-qkKAZk-o6VXRa-mw6bwB-5zPXSX-bvYa3f-pvG878-pKfWAY-qbwZvA-etLFeG-9FoCFf-njPNGW-b9oYe8-j3Y3cx-dvt8dt-9j8LAq
I agree that part of the challenge with modern technology is keeping up with the rapid pace of change. No sooner have you learnt something and gotten comfortable than it is out of date, and even if you get to keep your device the interface has changed. I think it is extremely difficult on schools because they would like to be able to teach their students using the most modern technologies but they can’t afford to be replacing items as quickly as new ones are produced. I agree that the world has changed and really the best course of action is to look at technology with a positive skepticism. Think critical but remain optimistic.
Catherine
Hi Mehdia, you have got my attention, and I was thinking deeply when you mentioned that technology is irreversible. I think that your statement gives a rich meaning when we fully adopt any new technology and move forward because the changes may be irreversible. However, we could absorb the changes and employ it carefully because I think that getting involved massively with the upcoming technology is overwhelming and we definitely cannot master the knowledge generated equally. That is why some of us excel in some artefacts while others do not. This is not because some are smarter than others, but, because we cannot simply know everything. According to Clark and Hampton (2015), the optimism in using technology is the result of the success stories we hear about. They also added that we should be careful when we make our decision and not make our decision with those technologies we are not comfortable with. That is why we should be selective in using technology.
Bassam
Reference:
Clark, B. B., Robert, C., & Hampton, S. A. (2015). The technology effect: How perceptions of technology drive excessive optimism. Journal of Business and Psychology
I have always found very interesting the assessment that we do on ‘what is technology’. If we think a little bit outside of our current understandings we’ll find that language is a technology, and therefore we are constantly integrating the new with the old. In fact, there is literally no way to have new technology without old technology… what do you think guys?
Good point Ernesto! Each step of the past has led us to where we are today. As others have mentioned there have been worriers and nay-sayers at every step, but yet the old ways have faded out each time and the new have moved in. This whole discussion made me think of the trip to Disney World that my family and I took this past Christmas. Have you ever been on the Spaceship Earth attraction? Here’s how Wikipedia explains it:
“Passengers journey back in time to witness the origins of prehistoric man, then travel forward in time to witness important breakthroughs in communication throughout history—from the invention of the alphabet to the creation of the printing press to today’s modern communication advancements, including telecommunication and mass communication.”
It was a very interesting ride and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone! Very pertinent to this course!
Jennifer
Hi Mehdia;
” …insists that we need to know who we are and what our values are when we are understanding and adapting technology.” Yes, by knowing who we are provides us with the data to understand what our technology needs are and therefore better equipped to make judgment calls on emerging technology as they become available.
“It is interesting to note that all the different art[i]facts from cave painting, … all have served one purpose. They were all used to show human thoughts, feeling, knowing and learning. Most importantly, all these technologies have not been limited to nations or languages, in reality they have transformed cultures and societies.” By having a variety of means to express ourselves, we can validate our ideas through sharing. More can be learned by sharing, not just within our own culture but globally with others.
And Bass I agree with your choice of wording – Selective.
“That is why some of us excel in some artefacts while others do not. This is not because some are smarter than others, but, because we cannot simply know everything.” We human beings are very individual in many ways including personalities, talents and intellect. We are like a puzzle. Only certain pieces will work and in specific positions. So the choice of technologies will depend on the correct ‘fit’.
Terry