Question

Length: 1300 words

Task

Answer the following essay question:

"All technological change is a Faustian bargain. For every advantage a new technology offers, there is always a corresponding disadvantage"

Is this statement valid? Discuss Postman's observation in the context of educational technology in contemporary Australian higher education.

Postman, N. (1995). The end of education: Redefining the value of school. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Overview and Advice

'Higher education' in this question refers to post-compulsory education. While some research may be relevant to K-12, the focus of your discussion should be further education including University, TAFE and trade training, as this raises different issues around motivation, goals and outcomes. Remember that we are interested in evidence-based practice, so statements about participation, attitudes, behaviour and outcomes should be supported with peer-reviewed research and demographic data.

Careful question analysis is important when approaching this essay. What does discuss mean? This topic is potentially broad, so you will need to plan carefully to ensure that your argument is clearly defined and follows a logical progression. Question your own assumptions, and those of the authors you are reading; look for opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking. Use good essay and paragraph structure, and demonstrate your understanding of referencing by supporting your argument with a wide selection of carefully chosen sources.

Important: We are interested in investigating the pros and cons of technology in education; this essay is not about Postman’s broader views, or his work; only the statement presented in the question (which should be mentioned in your introduction).

Answer 1

With the fast pacing development in the field of technology, it has not only evolved in itself but entered every other industry and affected them a lot. The affects observed are both beneficial as well as hazardous. As the Postman, N. (1995), rightly quoted in The end of education, "All technological change is a Faustian bargain, For every advantage a new technology offers, there is always a corresponding disadvantage."

The inventions were always there, its evident from history that in order make humans lifestyle more comfortable and less hectic, we have been developing and designing things according to our needs and aspirations. The technological refinement has made a very great impact on the education today. It has made possible for a distant Philomath to augment his knowledge just by enrolling in a online program from a reputed platform. The introduction of technology into the teaching sector has the changed the former ways of interaction among the teachers and students, the communication pattern between the teachers and the parents, and in fact with their other colleagues too. It has made the learning process more easy and hence indulging. Earlier when computers where introduced into education system it reformed the way of learning and transformed the theoretical teachings into practical knowledge. Since then the technology has emerged and developed in the education department to such an extent that now the maximum work is done by technological introductions, for example, Powerpoint Presentations, Smart boards, Projectors, E-books etc. The technologies handouts have amplified exponentially over the past few decades. The advancements have too much to offer now to the people willing to learn and grow. Pioneering of Virtual Classes, Distant learning programs, Virtual Universities, Webinars has helped the new generation to become competent in many things in minimal time and hence giving them ample time for other activities they want to pursue. This in a way has helped in over all development of an individual which is another pro to the technological introduction in the education.

As we know that every head of a coin has a tail too similarly there is a con to every pro, and likewise this educational reform has the negative impacts too. The introduction of technology has made learning easy from any corner of the world but on the other hand it has affected the health too. The traditional way did not include the screen time, hence the eyes were safe from the continuous radiation emitting from the laptop or tablet screens. Tablets and computers while attending classes can be distracting for a child as, along with the study material many other options are available to opt for and enjoy rather than paying attention to what is being taught. In addition to this, the major concerns is on the quality education rather than the quantitative. We all know that there is too much of information on the internet today which is easily accessible for anybody, but then authentication of the data is the most important thing to look upon, of what use will be a knowledge which isn't true. Moreover, this has lead to another social issue which is loss of actual social networking among the people, we all are connected virtually like exchanging emails, video conferencing but in person interactions have become less. With providing opportunities to easy learning, it has also increased easy get through options too. Cheating and copying others work is just a matter of few seconds and the work assigned is done, hence not being to grasps any knowledge and grow.

Considering all the aspects of the educational technological advancements and reforms, it can be said that the rewards offered outranks the banes encountered. In fact the cons can be subjugated with proper training and teachings and hence the many refinements can be made to make the experience of the learners better and better everyday.