I have never really thought of exactly who created the internet. It's strange that it is even a question for us to reflect on. As I mentioned in the earlier post, I see the internet as a source of information and the www is where i can get everything and anything. I guess I belong to the group of teachers whom Dr Towndrow described in his book as those who see the web as an "inexhaustible pool of information that they can exploit at any time and for any purpose" (p.23). And honestly I also used the words Internet and the Web interchangeably to mean the same thing. After reading that chapter further, I guess I'm more aware now of the difference.
Ive read somewhere that people are the creators of the internet - we are all responsible for creating the world wide web. Thus I would think that it would have some use for everyone and anyone. Before I get myself labelled a technophile, let me assure you that I am not one. I agree with Postman in that we must have 'our eyes wide open' before we accept or reject anything. The introduction of technology has definitely changed everything. As a teacher, I also agree with our debate motion that digital technologies can enhance teaching and learning. (This is to explain why I was silent the whole time during the debate, I cant raise a good point to support the side that I was assigned - sigh!!!) I think it is a great teaching tool that can benefit various users, be it the weaker students or the more academically inclined students. As Postman mentioned, we should be thinking along the lines of how technology is changing our conception of learning and how (p.19).
What I take away from the Postman article is that technology may not always bring about positive improvements. We need to have our eyes open to see its effects on learning and be aware of what it can and cannot do.
I remember during the first session, Wilson mentioned of society's perception that people who are IT literate may be deemed to be more clever that those who are not. Is this the same as what Postman said that people with specialised knowledge of technology will have more power over those without? What say you, my dear classmates?
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Yes, Ras, DI is a tool to better our lessons and teaching. It has its positive and negative sides to it as mentioned in your blog. I do not think that IT savy people have more power but they do have an added advantage over the rest especially when they enter the work environment.
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