A series of questions designed to guide you through the process of evaluating technology and tools

2. What kind of equipment is needed? For the facilitator? For participants?

3. Is the software/tool easy to use? Is special training required?

4. What kinds of support systems are in place for this tool? Where do you users get help?

5. What happens when the technology doesn’t work? Can you still communicate? What kind of back-up plan would you need?Practicalities aside, it is almost important to consider the effect a new technology will have on what we do. Communication theorist Marshall McLuhan and his son Eric described four “laws of media” that describe the effects technology has on society. These “laws” provide a useful framework for evaluating the role technology plays in the way we communicate. <br />What human trait or experience does the new medium ENHANCE? <br />What is the intended function of the new medium or technology? <br />What does it improve or make more efficient? <br />Does it extend part of the human body, or one or more of the senses? <br />Does it extend some aspect of the human mind (such as memory)?<br />Does it extend the individual, the group, or society?<br />What pre-existing technology, method, system, or medium does the new medium OBSOLESCE? <br />What older technology does the new medium replace? <br />What does it render unnecessary?<br />What procedures does it by-pass?<br />What happens to the old medium that is rendered “obsolescent”: does it disappear entirely, become an art object, or find a new niche?<br />What technology, method, system, or medium that was previously obsolesced or abandoned does the new medium RETRIEVE? <br />What archaic elements are made relevant again? (i.e. tone of voice, facial expression, etc.)<br />When fully utilized or pushed to its extreme, what will the new media or technology REVERSE into? <br />What effects will the new medium create that are OPPOSITE to what was originally intended? (i.e. are there ways that new communication tools block communication?)<br />What are the contradictions inherent in the new technology? <br />Adapted from: <br />http://www.johndilworth.com/20-marshall-mcluhan-four-laws-of-media <br />