McLuhan's Tetrad

Mc Luhan´s Tetrad considers four complementary aspects which are:
Enhances
Obsoletes
Retrieves/rekindles
Reverses.
This tetrad of the effects of technologies is simultaneous.

Computer-based learning suppliers transform schooling by introducing technology to compete against non-consumption.

E-books:
This technology ENHANCES through innovation by supplying online versions of school textbooks. This technology is already starting to appear through virtual learning environments for students supplied by the book editors and some books also have e-versions. These e-books could eventually also contain content for differentiated instruction, supplying specific content for all students, at all grade levels as well as comprehension levels. Christensen, C and Horn, M (2008) state that computerbased learning software must be introduced disruptively, by letting it compete against non-consumption. They also state that software makers should customize software for different learning types.

This technology OBSOLETES and replaces the heavy books which also contain content that the students never learn but have to carry around with them throughout the school year. With ebooks the technology may provide for the different learning styles of students substituting the normal books that, although the editors try to appeal to all students are not able to. Computer based books could have multiple paths leading students to study through different processes according to learning style. It could turn the learning process much more individualized.

This technology RETRIEVES/REKINDLES information from the past, the fact that the student gets access to the information they are looking for without having to waste time searching through several chapters in books and contouring around unnecessary content, brings us back to the times where teachers would give the notes to the students which only contained the content she wanted them to learn at that moment. They just got the information they need. This technology would go further giving the students what they need respecting their individual learning styles.

This technology may eventually be REVERSES by being substituted in the future, by online libraries, or one big information center, with accessible content to everyone at every grade level all over the world. It can also be replaced by something else we do not imagine that can appear and that can revolutionize the course of education, another disruptive technology.

As Thornburg, D. (2008) states:
“A new technology carries with it the seeds of destruction paving the way for the next one to follow.”

References:
Christensen, C. M., Horn, M. B., & Johnson, C. W. (2008). Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns (1 ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.


David, T. (2008). Emerging Technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Thornburg Center for Space Exploration, 1-8. Retrieved July 9, 2010, from http://www.tcse-k12.org