Guide: Tech Theories
Theories of Technology
|
Theory Name |
Explanation |
Implication |
Author |
Page |
Comparison |
|
Technological Literacy |
The ability to use technology to improve learning of literacy |
Technology is a tool we can control; but we also must learn to use that tool |
Selfe |
3 |
Related to Haas |
|
Stage Theory of Technological Development |
Technology moves through stages of use as we become more accustomed to it |
Over time technology becomes automatic/invisible and comes to see “natural”; over time we have less power over technology to define how it is used |
Baron |
31 |
Similar to Haas |
|
Materiality of Literacy |
Technology has a physical effect on how we use literacy; it changes literacy |
Over time technology’s impact on literacy becomes hard to see; technology’s effect on cognition |
Haas |
44, 45 |
Similar to Baron |
|
Technopoly |
Technology is a way of thinking/a state of mind—we let technology solve our problems (which are often created by technology) |
People worship technology; we grant technology power |
Postman |
71 |
Similar to Veblen and Feenberg |
|
Technological Determinism |
Technology shapes history |
Technology has power over us; Guns, Germs, and Steel; top down theory; control/power are located in society (similar to Focault); social constructionism |
American sociologist and economist Thorstein Veblen |
See web site |
Similar to Postman and Feenberg |
|
Artefactual System |
Technology is a man made system for doing things |
We make choices about technology; we have power over technology; we have agency (vs. Foucault) |
Radder |
108, 122 |
Similar to Baron |
|
Technological Instrumentalization |
Technology conditions our behaviors |
Technology has power over us; “Is Google Making Us Stupid” (The Atlantic) |
Feenberg |
120 |
Similar to Postman and Veblen |