Hughes flashes me back to Postman in this chapter as he begins to rant on technology. His negative voice and pessimist views of progress were a surprise. Hughes argues that society must become technologically literate and become involved in protecting the environment. He also warns against “awesomely complex technology may provide an opportunity for privileged elites to redesign not only the human-built world but humans as well” (pg. 172) through genetic engineering, robotics and nanotechnology.
Discuss Hughes’ view of the “ecotechnical environment” as a modern representation of the “return to the Garden” ideals that he expounded on in the early chapters.
Hughes presented an ecotechnological system as the interaction of the natural and human-built systems. Most historical cities were shaped by nature and technology and are prime examples of an ecotechnical environment.
In the early chapters Hughes offered the assumption that humans were attempting to create a living and working place, a representation of the Garden of Eden. He proposed that humans would accomplish this “Edenic recovery” through the use technology. Hughes repeatedly talks about technology being used to transform the land in a godlike manner however he suggests that the human-built world would not be a paradise of beauty and utility they desired. Why? Developing technologies and mechanization came at a cost- an environmental cost. He wails that humans have been poor stewards of what God has given by laying waste to pristine environments and destroying ecosystems in the name of progress.
In essence I think Hughes is attempting to drawing attention to the ecological responsibility we have to preserve and develop more natural environments. He presents examples of cities using technology to redesign layouts and architecture to counter natural forces and make for better living. He proposes that the public must participate in technology policy and projects.
In my opinion, Hughes’ bottom line is: Incorporating the natural ecology in developments and using technologies to correct the mistakes of the past we can create a better world and “return to the Garden”.
What values do we place on the technology of education?
I am wavering in my feelings answering this question. On one hand, I do not think that technology is truly valued by educators. I think many teachers prefer to teach they way they were taught using textbooks, paper and pencils with minimal use of any type of technology. In addition, there is little training for teachers in the use of technology or how to incorporate it into instruction.
However, on the other hand, I think many educators value technology and implement available resources efficiently and effectively. There is a booming market in educational technology at the moment. Schools are looking to use technology as a tool in implementing instruction and enhancing student learning. Colleges and universities are offering more on-line classes and schools are using credit-recovery programs in secondary setting.
Technology receives mixed reviews according to educators. I do not feel most educators are using technology efficiently or effectively. I also think the “resistance to change” attitude casts technology in a negative role. Meanwhile, students embrace the technological advances enthusiastically.
I believe technology will take a more pronounced role in education in the future. Our school district is exploring the use of having class on-line on snow days. This past winter school was not in session for most of December through February.
Some great points about how teachers see technology, but what are the values inherent in the technology we call "Education?"
ReplyDeleteDo we value self-actualization of our students?
Do we value self-reliance in our students?
Do we value the continued viability of the school? Of our jobs?
What are the trade-offs? What are we willing to sacrifice to achieve our goals?
Right now, the institution of Education seems perfectly willing to sacrifice the well-being of millions of students on the altar of politics.
What's that say about the values we hold as educators?
I kind of wish I had had these questions to deal with when talking about what we value in educational technlogy.
ReplyDeleteWow, about the idea of the school making up days by posting. Will the state let this fly for not making up days? What will you do about the few who do not have a connection to the internet?
"In my opinion, Hughes’ bottom line is: Incorporating the natural ecology in developments and using technologies to correct the mistakes of the past we can create a better world and “return to the Garden”."
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is definitely what Hughes is saying. He thinks that we are going to transform our country into this perfect and beautiful place with our God given technical creativity. I think this is quiet interesting to say the least. To even compare our world to this 'natural' beauty that is discussed in the Bible is interesting, but it is not going to happen
I didn't see it as much of a rant, I think. I saw it more of as a warning. Do this or you will lose your world to the technological-driven machines!
ReplyDeleteI didn't ge the "return to Eden", either. I saw what he wanted as more of a "find the balance" effort.
I'm with Dennis on this one... will the district pay for computers and internet access for students that don't have it? I taught in a district with a high-poverty level and we had 23 weather days in that time. about five of those, most of the county was without power... how would the deal with that?
It seems as if Hughes takes the final chapter of his book to draw back this curtain to reveal a purpose to the boundless historical commentary and disconnected timelines that he includes in his took to show the reader what could have been accomplished in only a few pages. My question is that if he is truly concerned with this ecotechnological technology, why not offer some meaningful and doable solutions to the problems that have been outlined at length? His approach to making us "understand" technology in order to transform our world into an environmentally and technologically friendly place is very misdirected, and almost ridiculous in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI do think it's a great idea that your school is at least experimenting with distance learning and trying some new approaches. Of course, there will be barriers with technology, but I applaud the efforts your district is making, and perhaps a method of distance delivery will be achieved in the future. Kudos!