Redefining Work and Education in the Technological Revolution

Abstract

Just as Dewey argued during the industrial revolution, from the 1890s–1930s, and Martin argued in the 1960s–1990s with our “second wave” working revolution (when middle class women joined the work force in significant numbers): today’s times are out of joint, potentially dangerous conflicts exist, and teachers have some responsibility in making things right. We are in another social revolution, as work is changing significantly again, due to advances in technology. Let’s call these current changes in work the technology revolution. Again, we need to rethink our school structures, curriculum, and pedagogy. In an effort to contribute to that process, I direct our attention to the need to redefine work, and re/examine the connections between work and education in this paper.