The Continuing Saga of “Technology in American Schools”
LOST IN (Cyber)SPACE! http://dallasmcpheeters.com
What is wrong with this picture? This study asks what it will take to transition schools into effective, tech-based learning centers. However, this photo, like the study, is 10 years old. What has changed?
EVERYTHING! Children understand computers? They can control them? Perhaps 10 years ago.
Who is in control today? Who understands?
The age has changed!
Where will we be 10 years from now?
Reacting to Future Shock This study like so many others is a reaction to what author Alvin Toffler introduced in 1970 in his book Future Shock: In the Technological Age, change comes at us faster than we can prepare for. The 20th Century was about preparing. Today, it’s too late! What happened?
Super Collision! Today we find ourselves semi-conscious in the intensive care unit after a collision with the technological revolution. The work we did in the past is irrelevant. The educational institution is trying every experimental therapy to regain consciousness, control, and stability. But the old frameworks, don’t.
The Past is Past The word “Learn” comes from “Lore” “Teach” comes from “Show and Tell” “Educate” comes from “To Lead by the Hand” But there are no leaders among the lost. The global financial crisis should make it clear that no one has cornered the market on control. Who are the stakeholders? Follow the money.
The Players Big business thrives by ensuring its own productivity. Politicians thrive by legislating their own job security. But Life’s not about mere work! It’s about LIVING. Technology is not for knowing. It’s for our living.
The Disconnect Business leaders want technology taught to produce smarter workers (drones). Politicians want technology taught to make their constituents globally competitive. Education as an Institution wants technology taught to affirm its own relevance and usefulness. But technology isn’t about these things...
What it’s always been about Connect Even medical technologies are about staying connected to life. Communicate Wheel, telegraph, phone, radio, TV, etc. Collaborate Network, innovate.
NOT! How is this possible when the half-life of knowledge is 12 months?
Impossible! We are all survivors of the collision, lost in the same cyber-space, seeking to navigate a safe landing on a future that none of us knows or understands.
Remember WWII news reels? This is a pipe-dream based on historic experiences that are no longer relevant.
Uh...didn’t happen. Sensational headlines during the century of preparation.
Politics as usual... How can we measure what we cannot keep up with, predict, or control?
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A Paradigm Shift
Nationalism & Institutionalism are matters for a history class. The future is in the hands of connecting individuals