Chapter 5

Chapter 5
TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANISM

Technology for Teaching and Learning for Elementary Grades
Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students will
be able to:
1.explain how technology could be a boon
or bane; and
2.point ways on how to increase humanism
while using technology
Fingers touch a keyboard. One click of a
mouse... and presto! Hundreds and even
thousands of useful links or sources are
presented for a topic searched in the
Internet. Such a fast way to access
information as compared to long hours one
has to spend in libraries to research for
topics
There are concrete benefits that can be derived
from technology. Technology came from the Greek
word teknologia which means systematic treatment
or craft. It is the term for all the methods people
develop to satisfy their needs and wants (The New
Book of Knowledge, 2007). Technology is concerned
with ways to improve life. Anything produced since
civilization began to satisfy the necessities of man is
part of technology. Thus, the maxim, "Necessity is
the mother of invention."
The field of education is not an exception to the
wonders of technology. Video cameras;
compact discs and computers, and even the
chalkboard are but some of the products of
technology which have been very useful in
helping teachers deliver instruction. The
classrooms of today have never been so exciting
and wonderful like before with the various
instructional media at the reach of teachers
However, the progress in technology is not felt by
people in the same capacity. While others have fully
maximized the benefits of technology, there are still
others who have been deprived of the advantages
of technology. While other schools have already
been using LCD projectors, others do not even have
the comforts of electricity. While many recognize
the benefits of technology in almost all fields of
endeavor, some are fearful of the growing harmful
effects of technology in society
A dilemma is at hand. While there is
overdependence of life in the advanced
industrial countries on technology, there
is a threat that the same technology will
destroy the quality of life in modern
society and endanger society itself. Some
examples are illustrated in the following
situations
* Automobiles have resulted to faster
transportation but it also resulted to many
accidents, which eventually led to deaths.
* Jobs in highly technological industries
require complex skills. People with, these skills
are put out of work and left to do basic works.
* Other changes in technology have produced
hazards to the environment.
* The Internet has been a venue for
organized crimes like child prostitution
and cybersex.
*Cell phones have caused
miscommunications and
communication gaps among people.
* Television programs show either
violence or falsity.
In the light of the situations given, questions
arise like "What has man, who is the author
of technology, done to his fellowmen?", "Is
technology bound to create and then later
destroy?", "Is technology a blessing or a
curse?", "Is technology a form of
exploitation of human beings?", and "Is
technology dehumanizing man?"
The ordinary classroom is a potential
place where technology and the issue of
humanism could cross. Some observers
have argued that the widespread use of
media in the classroom leads to
teachers treating students like machines
rather than human beings, i.e., that
technology dehumanizes human beings
If the real situation is analyzed, treating
students like machines can occur even
without media. If teachers will not consider
students' opinions, this is a dehumanizing
act. If the learners' needs and abilities are
not considered in the instructional plan, the
teacher does not consider learners as
human beings who should be the center of
the educative process.
To simply put it, media provides
multi-sensory experiences to
learners, which adds to their
enjoyment of the subject. In other
cases, media individualizes
learning. Thus, the media
humanizes instruction.
humanism can exist separately or
together in classroom situations.
Hence, in a classroom, humanism can
be introduced through interaction
between the teacher and students.
active participation of students, and
regular meetings and consultations
Technology is here to stay. The
superb capability of man to invent
will eventually produce all things
that once are just dreams. The
challenge is to make sure that the
benefits of technology are far more
extensive than the harmful effects

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Chapter 5

TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANISM

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