Technology versus Contemplation
There appears to be no limit to the number of technological tools you can purchase these days.
However, I believe there is a limit to the number of technical tools you can master.
If you don't set limits, I say "The more you own, the more you're owned."
When you're spending most of your time learning how to format, configure, operate, backup, update, protect, and maintain the technological gadgets and software programs you own, the only thing your prepared for is the "Help Desk."
True wisdom requires the application of differentiation, integration and generalization via contemplation.
For example, Rene Descartes didn't use a desktop computer, laptop computer, iPad, tablet, or software program to create a bridge between algebra and geometry. He used two flies on the wall, the Pythagorean Theorem, and contemplation.
At least, that what I choose to believe.
Any thoughts?
Does this, perhaps, directly coincide with the learning patterns and attention spans of Millennials?
Guy...I have to agree with you regarding the limitation of thinking. Technology is a great asset to education, but the problem is that students today believe that Wikipedia is a research site. We still must incorporate traditional methods of learning into the paradigm of new technology and learning. If we do not, we are creating generations who will be deficient in thought, formulation of thought and true learning.
I tend to agree about technology limiting thinking at times. When I ask students a question some have a hard time with the thought process but they have no trouble accessing a smart phone to find the answer. It is almost as if they have foregone the ability to think for themselves. Technology is great ( use it myself !) but are we creating a generation totally dependent gadgets?
Anymore, I don't think it's a matter of quantity of tools, but quality. For instance, the new phones and tablets can do virtually everything in one gadget. I tend to think smart phones make us dumb by allowing us the lazy luxury of outsourcing our memories, ability to calculate and critically think. So yes, the more you use these items, the more you are dependent on them.
