Curiosity at Work
Example . . .
Question: How does technology influence learning?
Problem? Is technology good or bad? How can it be one or the other? There has to be both good and bad things about it, so how do we break that down?
Ongoing discussion: People seem to have strong opinions on this topic with many researchers (like Nicholas Carr) arguing that it is a major distraction and particularly can be harmful if used IN the classroom. Others argue that it is a great advancement (think of coursera for example). But Nicholas Carr also brings up the important point that technology can dehumanize us, and this seems like an opinion that has some validity, particularly if Postman and McLuhan are correct and the medium is the message. If we take that as the assumption, then what is the conclusion? This becomes tricky because technology is here to stay, does that mean it is inevitable that we will be dehumanized? Is there some way to head this off? Ethan Cross’ research from U of M suggests that facebook makes people unhappy. The more they use it the more their mood declines. So the real question might be, if we are hooked on technology, then how do we keep it from dehumanizing us?
Ethical choice? Is there a choice that is more ethical than another? Why? How? Does talking on the telephone have ethical dimensions? If you are ignoring other people are you being disrespectful? In a utilitarian world, we do what does the most good for the most people: is technology the answer even if it dehumanizes us?
Terms? What does “dehumanization mean?” To treat someone as “not human”. To take away someone’s human qualities. Existential: how and why we be. Have we chosen to use technology? In what ways have we made a choice and in what ways has the choice been made for us? Can we, at this point, not use digital technology? How is digital technology different from technology in general? Technology has always changed us, but has it changed what it means to be human? Is changing what it means to be human the same as dehumanizing us?
Questions raised: when are other times over history that people have been dehumanized how does it connect with this issue? Racism? Holocaust?
Sources
Thesis
While technology can lead to great practical advances, it does almost nothing to advance our spiritual, existential or humanistic sense of self or the world. In fact, it may harm and/or detract from their development.
Now, you do it with your question. Type it in here.
- What Question are you addressing?
For the below, explore your topic given the prompt (these come directly from the explorations in the “On Curiosity at Work” essay in Habits). In your response, be sure to include several questions that show your curiosity taking you beyond the confines of the topic. Look at the essay in Habits if you feel stymied.
2. What are the potential issues/problems/paradoxes raised by your question. List at least three.
3. Ongoing discussion: Look at the research on your topic and put it in discussion with one another. What is the conversation on this topic? This should be at least one paragraph.
4. Ethical choice? Is there a choice that is more ethical than another? Why? How? Again, at least one paragraph.
5. What are the important terms related to your topic and what are the possible potential definitions. For all of us, technology is going to be one of the terms, so explore how you are using that term.
6. Questions Raised by your topic (not the larger question from the book; what questions does your specific conclusion raise?)
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