Hidden Factors in Technological Change

Hidden Factors in Technological Change examines the educational implications of living in an advanced technological society and suggests ways in which teaching programs and learning situations in schools might be appropriately reoriented. Trends in technological innovation and design are discussed, along with their likely social, aesthetic, environmental, economic, moral, and political consequences. This book is comprised of 20 chapters and begins with an assessment of the wider implications of technological innovation from a variety of different viewpoints, with emphasis on television. More specifically, the social, economic, aesthetic, scientific, moral, and political implications of technology are considered. The next section focuses on various aspects of living with technology, including the use of resources, the quality of life in cities, and transport and communication. The consequences of technology for education, especially the school curriculum, are also discussed. Other chapters explore ways in which schools might begin to develop in their pupils critical, informed, and constructive attitudes to the many opportunities and problems associated with technological change, and thereby help to make technology more accountable to society and more responsive to the wishes of ordinary people. This monograph will be of interest to educators and school administrators, education officials, and science and technology policymakers.