Hello members; in my stance I support the fact that appropriate technology is defined by the user. The technology makes use of simple techniques that are applicable at a local level. It is usually small scale and draws its origins from multi-displinary fields; education included. From my point of view, the high cost of capital of modern technology is what has led to the flourishing of these small scale pieces of technology. Appropriate technology definitions vary by user as said by Schumacher. As teachers, we should focus on making the students grasp on the situations and environments in which we can apply the technologies.
Schumacher was strongly influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy and used it as a stepping stone in spearheading the appropriate technology. I do not see any weakness in the definition. Appropriate technology is always ever changing as new obstacles in fulfilling our daily needs spring up daily. The second definition that it is labour-intensive comes in the support of the various research of designing the various amenities. The only way of giving AT life is by users of industrialized and developing worlds work together to develop technologies appropriate to both their needs. However we find that some technology is very sophisticated and requires only highly trained hands to operate it. In this case, Schumacher’s definition is contradicted; as the technology is supposed to be simple to use and economical. I selectively use open source software in my classes.
I do not object the fact that Laura puts up by saying that the open source software is easy to use on its own. However, these software are subject to some disadvantages which Laura has not mentioned .I agree with Honggang that open source software is contains potential uncertainty. In case the software crashes and goes with vital information, it is very difficult to engage in a fruitful conversation with the vendors with vendors with practical experience in supporting the application The...