Philosophy Mid Term Paper

Midterm Essay
Antoinette Gentile- 260537380
Philosophical Foundations of Education- EDEC 260
Professor Ron Moris, McGill University
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

Education has experienced several changes over the past century.   However, none have been greater than the one currently occurring in this technological age.   Educators have limitless access to resources and technologies that can help them deliver their lessons effectively and efficiently.   Students also have access to vast amounts of information and resources to assist them in their schoolwork.   With all the technological advancements, it is no wonder that schools are taking advantage of incorporating technology into their classrooms. Lightman’s book Prisoners of the Wired World (2002) presented technology in a rather negative light in my opinion, as he argues that our technological culture has become the tool of a capitalistic society in which makes us prisoners. Although I do see where he is coming from, I quite firmly believe that the advantages of technology far outweigh the disadvantages.
Before World War II resources available to teachers were limited.   Generally they used blackboards and bulletin boards, pull down maps, posters and books.   The book was the primary teaching tool of the day.   After World War II the use of technology had reached a turning point.   Many military men used their GI Bill to receive college degrees and became teachers.   (Pulliam & Van Patten, 2007) Because of their positive experiences using various technologies, they requested more technologies for their classrooms. Though technology had grown steadily since the 1960’s, the use of it in the classroom was rare due to budget constraints.   (Blackwell n.d.) Now, because of the introduction and advancements of technology, teachers have a wide variety of tools and resources to aid them in the effectiveness and efficiency of their classrooms and students are able to easily access vast amounts of information.  

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