This article shows that technological neutrality, determinism, and autonomy correspond to parts of a spectrum of possible historical relations between societies and their technologies. The spectrum of relations is based on the recognition that as we change technology, technology simultaneously changes us. This reinterpretation compels us to face…

The author describes the three bases upon which she rejects the assumption that a technology and its use are neutral: every technology predisposes a certain use; shapes habits of mind and social organizations; and is the outcome of deliberate choices made by individuals and societies. She then proposes a "triadic model" of technological…

Even though an artifact or tool may be designed to be particularly effective in accomplishing a particular purpose, these affordances are unclear (and hence, not efficacious) without significant cultural knowledge--which one gets from other individuals. The author concludes, through a personal journey of disclosure and understanding, that the good…

Taking a media ecology perspective, this article argues that technology cannot be neutral, because it is a form of change, and it has an inherent bias based on the properties of its materials and methods. Additionally, the application of a technology is an intrinsic part of the technology itself, as is technique, instructions, software, or…

Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980) is most remembered for his statement "The medium is the message," an aphorism that embraces the theme of this issue of "Educational Technology." McLuhan showed as never before the hidden biases within all technologies. Today, 100 years after his birth, his laws of media and perceptive aphorisms…

Technology, thought of as the ensemble of utilities and devices and of their impact on our lives, proceeds in steps, each of which seems plausible. This kind of development also encourages the view that technology is value-neutral. It always can be used both for good and ill, and we decide how to use it. The production of food and the development…

The author argues that education should take advantage of the new virtual knowledge network accessible to every person on earth. She describes how the complexity of the Web has absorbed what is known by humankind and emerged it in a self-organizing, self-vetting network that comprises the most authentic, recent, and cogent version of knowledge…

This article examines what "stakeholder groups" have to say about the nature, and indeed the meaning, of "technology." The author uncovers a variety of interpretations of the term "technology" and finds much disagreement and indeed confusion regarding whether concepts such as "science," "technology," and "engineering" are independent of each…

For a society so adept in developing advanced technology, people have been grossly inept and negligent in concocting organizations and devising political and managerial innovations to apply technology effectively. This is true particularly in education, where technological innovations, including applications of computers, stagnate without…

Everyone is living in a time in which science and technology have become pervasive and have caused the world of "nature" to be removed from one's direct senses. The rhythms of the world are beat to the cycle of machines rather than the circling of the sun. One feels the distance between old rituals grounded in myth and nature and the new and…

Distinguishes between the scientific and technological purposes of human activity to define separately the identity of the technological researcher and practitioner. Topics include the relationship between science and technology; a definition of technology; convergence; the nature of technological knowledge; and how this can influence…

Author believes that it is not a rejection of technology that we seek but a new, better technology - better responsive to our personal beings. (Author)

Discusses the nature of technology, its relationship to science, and how it is affected by social values. The association of technology, design, and problem solving is described, goal setting and human psychology are discussed, and examples of technology in educational development projects are presented. (LRW)

The author examines the question of how the powerful forces" of education and technology are currently shaping" each other and the evolving world." (Author/AK)