First of all, I agree with Thornburg and Davidson’s assessment that in a capitalist society technology is more or less driven by the demands of the citizenry. The logic that in the U.S.A. society drives technological change rings true with me. In fact, it seems to me that the inventions of time, from the discovery of how to control and use fire to the latest i-phone, have resulted from ingenuity applied to solve problems or fulfill needs. In our society, specifically, economic demand clearly dictates which new inventions and technologies are embraced. If the public feels they are valuable, they become profitable, and are built upon and improved upon.
It is nice to be both aged and educated enough to appreciate Alvin Toffler’s “Wave Theory” concerning changes in education, as well as Dr. Thornburgs reflection that these changes are being outpaced by innovation in our business, transportation, communication and even family structure models. Anyone who has read or listened to Toffler's theory would certainly agree that our school system in the United States still follows the calendar of the Agricultural Age and, predominantly, the business and communications models of the Industrial Age. While some small inroads have been made with some very basic digital “tools” of the Information Age, we are far from the collaborative, Web 2.0 type of learning environment necessary for student competency in the Communication Age (or whatever this newest age will eventually be referred to as).
The obvious question then becomes, “Why does education lag behind?” In a country of demanding capitalists, many of whom take technological advancement for granted, WHY don’t citizens set high standards for education? Why are we less demanding of our schools and our education system?
In my opinion the gap is due to both the very economic theories that drive technological change in the first place, as well as the democratic system of educational organization. The public, in great number, expects more funding from the government for education, but rallies against the taxes required. To many citizens, spending more of their own money for advances in education simply is not worth what it will cost. They don’t trust the money to be spent well, or don’t recognize an immediate return on their investment. I see the gap as a result partly of the democratic process; a "necessary evil," perhaps. Technology is simply morphing faster than the general, voting, taxpaying public can comprehend much less keep up with!
How to we change the public view? I wish I knew!
It is nice to be both aged and educated enough to appreciate Alvin Toffler’s “Wave Theory” concerning changes in education, as well as Dr. Thornburgs reflection that these changes are being outpaced by innovation in our business, transportation, communication and even family structure models. Anyone who has read or listened to Toffler's theory would certainly agree that our school system in the United States still follows the calendar of the Agricultural Age and, predominantly, the business and communications models of the Industrial Age. While some small inroads have been made with some very basic digital “tools” of the Information Age, we are far from the collaborative, Web 2.0 type of learning environment necessary for student competency in the Communication Age (or whatever this newest age will eventually be referred to as).
The obvious question then becomes, “Why does education lag behind?” In a country of demanding capitalists, many of whom take technological advancement for granted, WHY don’t citizens set high standards for education? Why are we less demanding of our schools and our education system?
In my opinion the gap is due to both the very economic theories that drive technological change in the first place, as well as the democratic system of educational organization. The public, in great number, expects more funding from the government for education, but rallies against the taxes required. To many citizens, spending more of their own money for advances in education simply is not worth what it will cost. They don’t trust the money to be spent well, or don’t recognize an immediate return on their investment. I see the gap as a result partly of the democratic process; a "necessary evil," perhaps. Technology is simply morphing faster than the general, voting, taxpaying public can comprehend much less keep up with!
How to we change the public view? I wish I knew!
Posts
Eva,
ReplyDeleteSuper Post!
I think education systems needs to be run like big business. Can you imagine large corporations that continue to ignore the tchnologies available to them? They would soon be out of business!
Schools and classrooms throughout our countries may still be "in business" but how engaged are the students? What kind of education do we provide as we continue to ignore the technologies that are so prevelant in their world?
Brenda (Joy)
Joy,
ReplyDeleteI come from a corporate background and agree wholeheartedly! I would, dare I say, be more than willing to be assessed according to results, especially if I were paid based on results. The free market system tends to be an equalizer of sorts, in my opinion. Relating pay to results, dedication, or however it is assessed, tends to encourage more similarity among employees. Not necessarily a similarity of style, and certainly not a stifling of creativity, but rather a true team effort to achieve more similar results. I believe all students are entitled to a reasonably equal experience. Unfortunately, it isn't possible with all the government requirements and regulations specific to towns, in our case, counties in others. And, I am afraid that at least in my limited experience, union contract efforts have been discouraging to newer teachers and very attractive to senior teachers. I am discouraged by the effects of the union concept, though I care for many of our members and leaders who run them, and appreciate their hard work.
This is an emotional vocation, on many levels!