Is there a potential problem being stored up for people if 'education' is tailored to fit into their cultural and personal preferences?
It’s quite empowering to think that society now have the chance to mould education to fit around our own preferences through the developments of technology, an example of social-determinism.
However although this can be seen as a positive happening, when it comes to education, could it be seen as though computers are replacing the fact that students needed to be ‘stretched’ within their studies. Using new media is to me seen as a compromise of two separate elements and although arguably has a success rate, is it deferring away from traditional elements of education. By neglecting these traditional aspects of education I think is neglecting valuable skills which are attained through the interaction of students IRL situations therefore practical work is being missed out on. There needs to be a high amount of maintained motivation because “those with low motivation may fall behind.” (see link)
However, everything in society has its disadvantages. So going back to the ‘empowerment’ the internet gives us, it does give the majority of people (providing they have internet access) the chance to learn, as it works to diminish geographical issues. There are potential problems, but society is aware of these, and what doesn’t have potential threats?
http://www.newman.ac.uk/Students_Websites/~m.m.friel/dis.htm
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There will be postive and negative aspects for any way education is taught. The likes of e-learning are revoutionary and can be of great benefit, and undoubtedly will 'stretch' students, especially if they have not had education taught in such a way before.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do wonder the same as you Cara, as to what skills will be lost if f2f and IRL communication in the classroom is limited. We have to remember that education is there to support us for later life in 'the real world' not for the virtual.
Exactly, looking back to last weeks blogs and students in 2020, if education does in some ways over-ride meatspace interaction then aren't commication skills (which are learnt and furthered through education) be neglected - and would this cause problems for a new society of what Prensky would say 'digital natives.'
ReplyDeleteI would have thought so, without the skills to communicate IRL then natives will have no transferable skills for the digital world.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the odd automated posting bot which you seem to have attracted -there's an essay in that!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the relation to 'stretching' tailoring runs counter to that doesn't it?
It's the same argument that says having a TV set top box which proposes 'shows you might like' cuts down on the pleasure of watching -and coming across things you never thought you'd like by accident.