Heidegger surf-boards along on the electronic wave

[Shwa]

"Heidegger surf-boards along on the electronic wave as triumphantly as Descartes rode the mechanical wave."

The above quote was taken from Marshal McLuhan's brilliant 1962 work 'The Gutenburg Galaxy.' McLuhan was a media visionary and somehow saw 'surfing the net' some 25 years ahead. In that light, a story from the Toronto Star, "High school ditches text books for digital readers"

While I don't foresee digital readers becoming standard in public schools within the next 5 years, it is certainly possible within the next 10. One good way to make schooling cheaper and less stressful. On the other hand, I personally hate the present forms of digital readers, but hopefully the technology will keep improving to the point where even I will go out and buy one.'

This could be a small spark for the end of the Gutenburg Universe!

[Michael Hardner]

Hey Shwa, I have long been a devotee of McLuhan. In fact, I want to host an online chat on the topic in a few weeks. Let me know if you're interested in discussing that.

McLuhan indicated that the education budgets should include advertising, since that was where children received a large part of their education. I believe he felt that television in the classrooms wasn't a great idea, but I don't remember why.

[Shwa]

Hey Michael,

While not a McLuhan devotee, I could be called a McLuhan 'essentialist' even though my exposure to his actual works is limited. An on-line discussion sounds intriguing.

[Michael Hardner]

Great - I sent you a PM to set this up.

Any other MLW posters interested in media/tech/democracy 2.0 - please PM me thanks.