In today’s society, technology is a major part of education, but have we ever considered how it influences our learning process? Chris Gilliard and J.D. Applen are two writers who provide us with valuable concepts to think about.
The Influence of Platforms on Knowledge and Education
According to Chris Gilliard’s explanation in “Pedagogy and the Logic of Platforms,” platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom are not only impartial tools; rather, they influence the way that education is conducted. For instance, these platforms often emphasize productivity and data collection, which can make learning seem more like checking off boxes than gaining a thorough understanding. Even worse, they gather teachers’ and students’ personal information, which raises privacy issues. This is why Gilliard challenges us to consider if these tools contribute to meaningful learning for children or only help schools better handle large audiences.
On the other hand, J.D. Applen expands on a similar concept in “McLuhan and Media’s Messages” by talking about how communication, or the type of media, influences society. Digital tools like social media, for instance, promote faster and more engaging communication, but they can also make it more difficult to focus closely or to trust information. Applen notes that these technologies are changing our thoughts and interactions with knowledge in general. These new media aren’t just giving us new ways to exchange ideas.
Technology’s Effect on Education
Overall, Gilliard and Applen together demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in the classroom. Though technology can sometimes limit critical thinking and creativity, it allows us to interact and learn in new ways. Educators and students need to consider if these technologies are only dictating how we learn or if they are fostering our growth. We can make sure that technology promotes meaningful learning for everybody by carefully considering how we use it.
Check out my previous blog post on “The Rhetorical Power of Code”
Leave a Reply