Technology, Humanism and Dehumanization

Humanism - a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence over acceptance of dogma or superstition

humanism refers to a perspective that affirms some notion of human freedom and progress

It was first termed by theologian Friedrich Niethammer in 1808 – “Humanismus” (the new classical curriculum he planned to offer in German secondary schools)

Gained its universal acceptance in 1856 when Georg Voigt used Humanism to describe Renaissance Humanism – movement that flourished in the Italian Renaissance to revive classical learning

Key points: In education, humanism is a

paradigm/philosophy/pedagogical approach that believes learning is viewed as a personal act to fulfill one’s potential

People act with intentionality and values (Huitt, 2001)

Humanists also believe that it is necessary to study the person as a whole, especially as an individual grows and develops over the lifespan

Proponents of HumanismAbraham Maslow – 1908-1970Father of Humanistic PsychologyExperience is the primary phenomenon in the

study of human learning and behaviorplaced emphasis on choice, creativity, values,

self-realization, all distinctively human qualities, and believed that meaningfulness and subjectivity were more important than objectivity

development of human potential, dignity and worth are ultimate concerns

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

1.Physiological needs are the physical requirements for human survival. If these requirements are not met, the human body cannot function properly and will ultimately fail

2.Safety and Security needs include: Personal security, Financial security, Health and well-being, Safety net against accidents/illness and their adverse impacts

3. Love and belonging -- This need is especially strong in childhood and can override the need for safety as witnessed in children who cling to abusive parents

-- Friendship, intimacy, family

4. Esteem presents the typical human desire to be accepted and valued by others. People often engage in a profession or hobby to gain recognition

5. Self-actualization – “What a man can be, he must be”-- refers to what a person's full potential is and the

realization of that potential-- he desire to accomplish everything that one can, to

become the most that one can be

Proponents continued…Carl Rogers – 1902-1987 One of the founding fathers of psychotherapy

research

“Person-centered approach” -- the application of the person-centered approach to the therapy situation such as interpersonal relations, education, nursing, cross-cultural relations and other "helping" professions and situations

Learner-centered teaching:“A person cannot teach another person directly; a person can

only facilitate another's learning”

“A person learns significantly only those things that are perceived as being involved in the maintenance of or enhancement of the structure of self”

The educational situation which most effectively promotes significant learning is one in which (a) threat to the self of the learner is reduced to a minimum and (b) differentiated perception of the field is facilitated

Research Google

Conversations Chat

Indoor games

Virtual Games

EDUCATION

ENTERTAINMENT

Increasing Obesity Rates

Aggressive behavior

Negative social and emotional development

Reduction in family

quality time

Can technology dehumanize society, including our homes and schools?

Most people regard technology as humanizing but on the other hand, it could also lead to the dangers of

dehumanization. It is possible for communicators to treat their consumers as machines.

Dehumanization To deprive of human qualities such as individuality,

compassion or civility, personality or spirit

Human Mechanization- a process by which people are treated mechanically.

Human Mechanization

(Phil Lange)

We turn them on and off whenever it suits

our fancy.

No explanation is offered on why and

what they do.

Their plans and future are unheard.

All work and no play.

Their human worth is judged only by the

quality of their products.

Human empathy is absent.

Teacher-Communicat

or

Interaction between communicators/teacher and

listener/student.

Self-evaluation or reflection by

listener/student.

Dialogue or interchange between communicator

and listener.

Regular meeting and consultations.

TECHNOLOGY :

Is it a BOON or

BANE?

“Technology is made for man and not man for technology.”

“Technology is made for the teacher and not the teacher for technology.”

The integration of technology in instructional process must focus on:

The interactive and meaningful learningThe development of creative and critical thinkingThe development and nurturing of teamworkThe efficient and effective teaching

Roles of Educational Technology in Learning

Traditional Way

delivery vehicle for

instructional lessons

learner learns from the

technology

source and presenter of knowledge

serves as a teacher

Constructivist Point of

View(Jonassen,

1990)

exploring knowledge to support learning by

constructing

accessing needed information, comparing perspectives, beliefs and world views

serves as context to support learning -by -

doing

representing and stimulating meaningful real- world problems, situation and contexts

defining a safe, controllable problem space for student thinking

serves as a social medium to support

learning by conversing

collaborating with others

discussing, arguing, and building consensus among members of the community

serves as intellectual partner to support

learning- by- reflecting

helping learners articulate and represent what they know

reflecting of what they have learned and how they come to know it