Technology and Society by Neil Postman 3/7

[gmensah2008]

This is nonsense, all that technology does is increase our productivity. The winners are those that uses technology to do so, the losers are those that are unable to look through history, and realize that if it wasn't for our forefathers picking up a stick of wood to defend themselves, or using fire to warm themselves and cook foods, we wouldn't have the luxury to debate the goods of technology.

[JustATheist]

What problems cause problems when solved problems cause problem to solve problems. Slippery slopes solves nothing. Negative possibilities are endless.

So what you suggest that we go Pre-industrial period here? Where can we stop trusting technology and industry... Paper has problems, massive problems. Let's lose Fire. Fire causes problems.

When was Zeno born? 500 year error

Technology is becoming part of education. Webcasts, Google, Skype, Wikipedia can teach more then any 1 human.

[wda013]

ad (6:13)

Luddite ... allegedly named after Nedd Ludd, an 18th cent. Leicestershire workman -- 1994 Collins

[MadsterV]

that's bullshit. I'm sorry, but it is.

Teachers versus computers? No compelling evidence that the internet can do for children what teachers can do?

I NEVER had a teacher that could possibly teach me all that I've learned from the net.

In fact, most of them held me back, telling me I should "not worry" about this or that subject.

I only wish I had internet sooner. I was already 16 when I first got access and started learning at a much faster rate than before.

[sirepunk]

Wow! Thank you for your local insight. The net has taught you well.

. . . what about books?

[MadsterV]

before the net I learned a whole bunch from books, though they are expensive (around here) and it's orders of magnitude slower to do cross references, but they tend to be more accurate.

So yeah, books are important too.

Thanks for the reply, kind comments are rare :)

[sirepunk]

NO PROB

[paxcoder]

This is a problem of your teachers or you. Because if they are worthless, and we can do without them, then why don't we? Why don't we dispose of them - we can even take the tests online?

Actually, a wide, well-structured educational program is irreplaceable. Props to you if you can impose it on yourself and gather it all online. I for one am an "auditive type" and would much rather interact with pros. The computer (in my case anyway) takes up a lot of my free time and wastes it on nothing clever

[paxcoder]

Note here that I don't dispute the computer's use as an aid. After all, most practical things I've gathered from online, on my own. But for firm theoretical foundations (which are arguably more important), formal education was required.

[MadsterV]

"for firm theoretical foundations (which are arguably more important), formal education was required. "

This is true.

I don't think a full-on self-teaching system would work. However, I am pretty strong on the opinion that the net is not just "for lulz". I see both things as good for education. It's hard to replace a solid theoric foundation, and it's hard to replace the quick, rich, global cross-referencing the net allows.

[yourownsilverspoon]

Okay but think about it this way. Because of technology (e.g. internet/television. Wonderful sources of information.) have caused us to become lazy and inadequate. There are a lot of lazy and inadequate teachers out there. But think about the fact that many of them grew up in a technological society.

Yes we get all kind of information from technology, but do we use it?

[TuretPremer]

half way through... just want to say: thank you for uploading. Postman is timeless, all I can scream is: HE'S RIGHT!!!

[TheDalsky]

To whom is interested in where the word Luddites comes from - search for Ned Ludd or Ned Ludlam.

[Alrahaa]

good point about tv and the declining literacy of society.

[tolkienspalantir]

How come Wheaton didn't get Postman? Calvin must have a better philosophy program.

[tolkienspalantir]

postman speaks from the grave with gravity