Reaction to Raketentim Entry

Here's the post, and below is an extension of thought post-read. Mind you this was done through translation, so you may not want to consider this a direct reaction to the entry, but simply a reaction to the idea in its entirety.

Education has made a logical step in attempting to take a pre-existing technology and extend their relationship with a generation appropriately named “Next”. But as their name suggests, there needs to be something that captivates. We have been conditioned through content to view YouTube as a virtual encyclopedia of somewhat stimulating tidbits and otherwise meaningless (but good) bullsh-t. YouTube is essentially an upgrade-- an extension of having ownership to individual opinion, to be published, to have views—we are intrigued that such fame can be captured. (Which may be the reason for such success in Facebook).

That being said, individually such educational videos are stimulating—for a mass it is nothing but an intrusion on what is rightfully obtained and maintained by Generation Next. I understand the goal is not to educate through video, but to supplement. But on the part of educators I believe their aim is misguided. Such supplements can, under many circumstances, pose negative reactions to educate and as you mentioned, captivate, an audience.

Today’s generation will not react to deformations of pre-existing technologies. It is startling to know YouTube has only been around for a mere three years, and even more so to realize that only a decade or so ago, the LAN line phone was still the dominant means to communicate. Now its nearly foreign (less so in a work environment). A bit over a decade. A mere ten+ years and we have expanded and exploded.

How can we, such tech-gluttons, utilize what exists to create something that is necessary? If we talk about sustainable living- what about an interactive tablet that can be reused but without the paper-murder. (just an "upgrade"). Of course there is the cost, and malfunctions, but if people are willing to dish out so much for an “iPhone” (also appropriately named), then why would they not want something that appeals to the ideas of today? (Which together is so strange and ironic). Why are educators not focusing on this? The last time I recall, a study found America’s education to be subpar. Whether or not efforts have been made to remedy this is unknown. But for a country that boasts such advancements, we have failed to give attention to the minor things—and utilize these technologies to make something better—not to simply add our stamp in the world wide web. To read "digitally" and in hand are two entirely different experiences. I'd be very sad if books were extinguished from being tangible. But its an example of how much we lose by adding, and how easy it is to be logical about the chances and steps we take to "advance".

And here, in the undercurrents of the google search, an article from the Washington Post in 2005. And yet we remain. And I've exhausted my words.

//sidebar// "An Extension of Man" by Marshall McLuhan is a good read.