Topic: Comparison-contrast essay on the perspectives of Neil Postman and Thomas Friedman on technology and education

Final Draft

Thomas Friedman and Neil Postman both have strong beliefs as it pertains to technology and education. However each of their respective opinions contains minimal similarities and a vast amount of differences. Friedman and Postman both recognize that incorporating technology into the learning process is beneficial to students. However the volume in which these resources are used is where their ideas conflict. Friedman views the use of technology as the future of educating the masses at an affordable rate. While Postman argues that the overuse of the technological factor is detrimental to other …show more content…

Postman supports the ideas of Dr. Diane Ravitch, the former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education. Ravitch believes that children and adults should be educated in a specific place for a certain number of hours during specific days throughout the week (Ravitch). Postman views technology as a challenge to traditional means of education. He believes that schools will be dramatically altered because of technology and that certain forms of learning will be neglected (Postman). Instead of asking questions in the classroom Postman thinks students will simply search for answers on the internet. While he states he is not arguing against computer use in school, the potential problem he foresees is that students will not be able to solve problems without the assistance of computers. A lack of socialization is another problem that Postman predicts will occur if we rely on technology too heavily for education purposes. He states “you cannot have a democratic, civilized life unless people have learned how to participate in a disciplined way as part of a group” (Postman). By isolating individuals during the learning experience Postman implies that this may disrupt the value and importance of group cohesion. Postman recognizes that technology is currently used in the educational setting while students are on campus, which is why he feels it is unnecessary to take it a step further and exclusively limit the learning experience online. In conclusion both Friedman and