Technology has come a long way in the last thirty years. It has enhanced our ability to communicate instantly with anyone in the world at a moments notice. Even though technology has helped improve our critical thinking skills, it still has some minor drawbacks. With the invention of television and the internet, people have become more dependent on being told about ideas rather then researching and reading on their own. This has led to a rather lazy society in that sense; nonetheless, this new technology has not replaced people’s ability to read and critically think. In fact new technology has done exactly the opposite.
People’s ability to comprehend complex concepts has improved dramatically in the past thirty years through the use of the internet. With this advancement of new technology, schools have also become more advanced. At one time a person’s chances of going to school after graduating high school were slim to none. If a person’s family were not wealthy, that individual would have to go straight into the work force, accepting a low paying job that did not require any critical thinking skills just to support him/herself. Now that same type of individual can still work and go to school simultaneously to earn a degree online. Having more financial aid available today definitely helps the process, but the fact still remains that a person can go to school online while having a full time job without using any other assistance. This concept has lead to a greater portion of the population becoming more educated. Critical thinking goes hand in hand with increased education. At the same time, people are also increasing their reading skills. Earning a degree online requires substantial reading in order to complete the program. Some might say online degrees are not as creditable as a degree eared from a traditional school. Research has shown otherwise; there is no significance difference that has been discovered between distance learning and traditional classroom achievements. (http://onlineeducationinformation.org/choosing-a-credible-online-degree)
Television has also led to people’s ability to become better critical thinks. With this advancement the population has been exposed to new ideas and concepts that they would otherwise not have been able to explore. Some might argue that television is only comprised of rubbish. These people are not completely wrong with their notion. Most television shows consist of made up stories and ideas that are useless. The type of television programs that help people develop their critical thinking skills are factual shows. (http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/teaching_backgrounders/media_literacy/aspects_critical_thinking_1.cfm) Programs on the discovery, history, and military channel make people really think about new ideas and concepts. When people watch these types of programs they are using their cognitive thinking skills. This technology is precisely what has led to a greater portion of the population becoming better critical thinkers. Certain gaming television shows have helped people with their reading skills as well. This concept is to a much leaser degree through. The reading portions are short; nevertheless, people are still reading while they are watching TV.
Our society would not let any type of authority burn books. Even though everyone doesn’t enjoy reading all of the time, most people know reading books provide a great way to gain knowledge. Without books people would have limited ways of introducing new ides for future developments to others. Our society would be stuck in a rut, which probably would lead to chaos. The public is by far too educated to ever allow this to happen. People are aware of the bad implementations that would follow if authorities were allowed to burn books for the so called greater good.
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