The Difference Engine

Reviews / Votes

This book's premise is that advances in computer technology have brought about a second wave of social change that was first introduced at the dawn of the computing age in the 1960s. This thesis is heavily influenced by cited educational theorists, most notably C. A. Bowers, who believe that computing technologies are socially constructed phenomena, and not just computational tools. To advance his position, Provenzo (education, Univ. of Miami) reframes this argument by closely examining several aspects of information technology: "hypertext/hypermedia," "augmented intelligence," "networked information and communication systems," "collective intelligence," "hyperreality," "the panoptic sort," and "mobile computing." The author places each of these phenomena in historical context--sometimes going back hundreds of years--and conflates this history with discussions of future trends, offering the reader a deep, thoughtful narrative on the social and cultural implications of computing technology. Part educational and social theory and part history, this well-written work should be included in collections focusing on educational theory, computers in society, and information science. An extensive bibliography and useful index accompany the text. Summing Up: Recommended. * Choice Reviews * The Difference Engine is an imaginative and captivating tour de force on the ways in which digital tools are transforming knowledge production and literacy. It is filled with illuminating discussion of both the perils and possibilities. The book is a major contribution to the study of literacy in the modern world. -- James Gee, University of Arizona