Technologies of Learning: a 2024 Primer

“We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.” — Marshall McLuhan

We all live a life of learning. Every skill we master, from the fundamental acts of self-care to the extensive formal training that launches our careers, to navigating the intricate social networks of family, friends, and coworkers, is acquired through learning. We learn languages, and the art of making speeches; we learn to stand, walk, and run, conquering physical obstacles; we learn to drive vehicles and execute acrobatic maneuvers, mastering control and precision; we learn to love and to find peace with our destinies. The meaning of the word learning encompasses all aspects of our life.

As we progress through the 21st century, the traditional paradigms of learning are undergoing a significant transformation, increasingly shaped by the integration of technology. While technology can broadly encompass any tool or the knowledge to create tools, this essay focuses on the realm of computer technology, which burgeoned post-1960s. This era marked a radical shift from bulky, room-sized mainframes to the progressively miniaturized forms of desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices, and wearable technology. Concurrently, the Internet has emerged as a transformative force in the educational landscape, connecting learners and educators across the globe.