Article 1

"Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change"

Postman, N.  (1998, March 27) .  Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change.  In De Palma, P. (Ed.) .  (2011).  Annual editions:  Computers in Society.  (pp. 3-6) .  New York:  McGraw Hill. 

 

Summary:

In his address to the New Tech Conference in Denver Colorado on March 27, 1998 Neil Postman outlines five things he thinks all people should know about technological change.  Postman bases his theories on thirty years of experience studying technological change.  He has formed these theories for people who are concerned with the effect of technology on religious faith.  Postman’s first theory is his idea that new technology has advantages as well as disadvantages.  His second idea is that new technology helps some people but harms others.  Postman writes that new technology poses consequences that may be unpredictable and irreversible for his third theory.  In his fourth theory Postman warns readers to be cautious about new technology.  Postman writes that new technology not only adds to our existence it changes it.  Lastly Postman suggests that new technology has become mythic; meaning that it is accepted as truth which makes it more difficult to modify or control.

Reaction:

Neil Postman writes about technology is a very negative light.  He appears to be afraid of technological change.  This article is very biased and quite amateur.  His references to the Christian faith and bible are extraneous and detrimental to his theories being accepted as scholarly work.  His advice to be cautious about new technology is valid.  It is important as educators to fully evaluate whether incorporating technology into our classrooms will benefit our students and help them meet learning goals.  The use of technology for technology’s sake is inappropriate.  Technology can add to educational experiences if it is used correctly.  The use of technology to provide online distance education courses is an example in which technology provides people with greater access to education which in turn benefits society.