Within the first chapter of Technopoly, Postman reveals to the reader the Greek legends Theuth and King Thamus discussing the idea of new inventions. We learn from Thamus that new technologies don’t always come with benefits- there can be areas for concern as well. In fact, Thamus went as far to say that “new technologies change what me mean by ‘knowing’ and ‘truth’ (12). With this theory in place, Postman introduces his writing as a way to expose society towards the way technology can alter the way we think, the things we think with, and place where our thoughts develop (20).
The question I had developing during the first chapter is the relevance of this theory, especially within a culture that is highly dominated by further advances in technology each day. Does this theory of knowing that technology alters the way we think, what we think with, and where our thoughts develop have any grip within our culture today? Would exposing society towards these ideas really have an impact upon us, or are we so far removed that we cannot and/or do not want to relate?
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You ask some great but scary questions...especially the last one. I am afraid that my answer to your last question would be "Yes". Technology has such a hold on our lives that we do not want to think about how it is altering "the way we think, what we think with, and where our thoughts develop". As teachers, we not only have the responsibility to understand what technologies we are inviting into our classroom and what there "burdens" might be, we also have the responsibility to foster a discerning nature in our students. Helping/teaching them to ask such questions and evaluate the technologies they are using and relying on. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHey Beth, your question of whether the theory of knowing how technology affects us has any grip on us is interesting. I think that while Prensky bashes digital immigrants in their tech ignorance, the one thing we do is at least question and acknowledge its effects, while natives don't seem to be aware. Just a personal thought - though not substantiated.
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