The Appeal of the Technological Theorist

I tend to lean toward pragmatism and getting things done, rather than dwelling endlessly on whys and hows. But, I have been known to ruminate on such things from time to time. I like wondering about why things work and how. Yet, I also grow frustrated by the fact that there are few firm answers. The more I think about it, the less confident that mankind will ever come to a certain knowledge of anything pertaining to this “crude matter.” In reality, you just can’t ever be too sure of yourself. The dozens and even hundreds of theories on behavior, learning, and life are ample evidence that there is a lot more out there to be known than is currently known.

I think that is why the concept of a technological theorist appeals to me. Down in the trenches, the practitioner can delve in and brainstorm and test and develop and tweak a design with a specific goal in mind. It doesn’t take a deep vocabulary or lot of hyperbole, just some elbow grease and creativity. Technologists push the boundaries of current practice and understanding. They influence the whole realm of interest. Through their efforts, they enhance both the science and practice of whatever that realm of interest is.

The technologist takes the status quo and then starts asking the what ifs and then tries it. He or she has a broad background of the operational principles and a keen eye on the goals. Using both, the technologist manipulates the materials at his or her disposal to find success and to define new concepts or new ways of seeing a situation or a problem.

Comments

Charles Graham said…
I resonate with much of what you say here . . . I also have less tolerance than most for endless belly-button gazing.

However, having said that, I believe that there is much value in identifying the assumptions and beliefs that you bring to the table when you design instruction - those values and beliefs provide the structure within which you design. Learning about others' values also can help give you insight into your own.
September 14, 2009 at 7:58 AM
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