Emerging Technologies Tetrad - The Internet

The Internet is a product that began as a tool for a group of scientists to connect a computers that could be accessed from multiple sites (Elon University, n.d.). when the idea of the Internet was developed by this group of individuals, I do not believe that it was destined to be used as the tool that it has become. The following Tetrad demonstrates, in short terms, how the Internet can be viewed using McLuhen's Tetrad.

The Tetrad above is broken into four distinct categories including enhancement, obsoletes, retrieves/rekindles, and reverses. Each of these categories looks into an aspect of the product being observed.

What does Internet do that provides an enhancement to technology?

During its conception and in its current state, the Internet is a tool that allows users across the world to connect to each other, data, and various tasks through computers, servers, and other networks that are interconnect. 

What does the Internet  replace?

I believe the Internet is the future replacement of the television, telephone, paper documents, etc...

What does the Internet bring to mind (or retrieve) from the past?

I think this answer will depend on the individual that is being asked. From an educational perspective we have seen a resurgence in the way education is delivered. Where standardized tests have become a norm in classrooms, this is not functional in an online environment. Therefore, instructors and course developers have built new ways for students to learn material while using old behaviorism and cognitive theories. 

What might replace the Internet in the future, or what might it cause to occur?

A new version of the Internet (Internet II) will eventually replace the existing product. This version will be faster and will be much more affordable. It will become common place in homes that currently do not have access to the technology.

Reference:


Elon University/Pew Internet Project. (n.d.). Imagining the Internet: A history and forecast: Back 150 timeline. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.elon.edu/e-web/predictions/back150years.pdf