Hall of Fame

TECHNOLOGY ANALYSTS

As technology plays an increasing role in learning, some have focused on examining that role in cultural and social terms. While there's a great deal of literature on the general impact of technology on society and business, there's a dearth of good content on technology and learning. To contrast two cultural and media analysts, one sees print as something to be valued and defended against the onslaught of electronic media, the other sees print as leading to linear thinking and isolation.

Marshall McLuhan through his 'medium is the message' determinism, saw media as inflicting its intrinsic qualities on individuals, separately from the content. He saw the Gutenburg age as something that was to be overcome, but warned us to be on our guard against all technologically defined media.

Neil Postman, on the other hand, has a longstanding interest in the impact of TV and other screen-based media on the minds of children. He is the direct heir of McLuhan in that he sees the medium as having intrinsic qualities, which have a direct impact on the learning mind. Not all of these qualities, he reminds us, are good.

As we wrestle with the impact of the internet on learning and culture, we should not ignore the pioneers of this analysis, as they have much to offer.

Read more about McLuhan

Read more about Postman