This week during E-Learning and Digital Cultures, we explored the process of interpreting ideas related to the Internet as metaphors to better understand the concept. Rebecca Johnston states, “Metaphors allow individual experiences to make sense in larger cultural systems, and metaphor’s meanings and entailments vary by culture” (2009). How fitting, then, that we study the ways in which perceptions of the Internet and e-learning affect our Information Age culture (the title of the MOOC!). I have often encountered the challenge as a budding instructional designer to justify my career choice—the development of online courses—to my family, friends, peers, etc. because of the common view of “technology as dystopia;” the idea that online education is changing our world as we know it, in a negative way. However, by analyzing the ways in which our culture views online education and the Internet in general, I (hopefully) will better be able to cater my response. So, as I read Johnson’s article, I tried to brainstorm how these metaphors apply to my everyday life and explored the Internet to see how these metaphors are often depicted.
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| Internet as physical space metaphor. |
The first metaphor that Johnson’s article “Salvation or destruction: Metaphors of the Internet” analyzes was that of the Internet moving people to a new physical space. In Johnson’s metaphor analysis she found terms such as “steered,” driven,” “streamlined,” and “crashes,” all moving the subject into a new realm with Internet as the medium. In fact, Johnson claims that “this metaphor is so powerfully ingrained that Carter (2005) argued people join each other on the Internet in a real space, rather than a separate virtual space” (2009). Take, for example, a post I wrote earlier describing the importance of developing a personal learning network, emphasizing the tools used to connect people via the Internet. The Internet enables individuals to feel that they are in the same physical space, having the same conversations and communicating in much the same way they would in a physical space.
Adding to this concept, Johnson claims that another metaphor evident in her analysis was that of the Internet as exhibiting physical speed. Her analysis produced terms such as “timely,” transport by bolt of lightning,” and “faster than we think.” Not only does the internet bridge the physical barrier of those in a personal learning network, but it also enables individuals to communicate at a much greater speed and frequency than those only communicating physically.
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| Internet as destruction metaphor. |
Other positive metaphors likened the Internet to salvation. Johnson identified several phrases that described the Internet in this light, with terms such as “transforms” and “helps.” These metaphors view the Internet as utopian; however, Johnson continues to describe the overwhelming amount of negative metaphors used to describe the Internet in a more dystopian sense. Terms such as “slave,” possession,” “destroy,” and “misinformation” turned up during this analysis, indicating an Internet as destruction metaphor.
Johnson concludes her article posing several questions that are worth noting: “If the Internet is destruction metaphor becomes the predominant schema for reflecting on online experiences, how might this impact the future of the Internet? Could this metaphor encourage censorship and oppression online? What other metaphors better convey the future and potential of the Internet?” (2009). And on a more personal level, how do these metaphors affect the way the public views online learning: a way to bridge physical space? Increasing speed and access? As the salvation of education? A concept definitely worth noting as I continue the development of online courses and to integrate technology into learning.
References
Ahlefeldt, Frits. (2012). “IT-Slave.” [Image]. Flickr. Retrieved Feb 6, 2013 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/hikingartist/5727359996/.
Johnson, Rebecca. (2009). Salvation or destruction: Metaphors of the Internet. First Monday. 14(4). Retrieved Feb 5, 2013 from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2370/2158.
Wilson, Wendell. (2006). “Foro-Internet.” [Image]. The Mineralogical Record. Retrieved Feb 6, 2013 from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Foro-Internet.jpg.
