Allow me to offer a book recommendation with an explanation. The explanation is necessary because the title of the book and even the focus may not seem relevant to educators. I think the topic is very relevant.
The book is “Machines of loving grace” by John Markoff. The focus of the book is the past and future of artificial intelligence. I admit to having a thing for the history of digital technology. This is perhaps the only historical topic that interests me or that I have studied with any intensity. The historical component is only relevant to most because it reveals the trajectory and direction of the field.
The treatment of the topic is multifaceted and incorporates history, capabilities, ethics and many other components. A fundamental theme is the contrast between the visions of AI (artificial intelligence) and IA (intelligence augmentation) traced back as far as John McCarthy and Doug Engelbart. Engelbart happens to be one of my wife's heroes dating back to some interaction she had with him at an Apple conference (or some conference). Perhaps one way to contrast these perspectives is to suggest AI proposes systems that can function independently of humans (replacement) and IA proposes systems that facilitate the functioning of humans (augmentation).
No spoilers here so what does this have to do with education. I propose that the comparison of AI and IA offers a way to address the concern so many may have with instructional technology. Are the developers of ever more sophisticated instructional systems intending these systems to replace humans? If so, is the outcome inevitable or can it be headed off by decision makers? I am not claiming the author answers these questions, but the comparison to so many other fields provides a great way to examine the issues. Are we educators the cab and truck drivers of the future fighting to hold on to our jobs even though self driving vehicles are far safer and more productive? If we object, on whose behalf are we making our arguments (learners or ourselves)?
One thing about venturing out from a narrow focus on our daily focus is the “forest and trees” opportunity. The role played by technology is disrupting many fields and keeping this in mind may allow a broader perspective.
Posted with Blogsy