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The Theory of Virtuality Culture and Technology-Mediated Human Presence

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Learning, Design, and Technology

Abstract

Many scholars have studied orality and literacy culture throughout history. However, society is just beginning a shift that cannot be explained by preexisting cultural conventions as it moves toward a culture of virtuality mediated by contemporary technology. This chapter articulates a vision for virtuality culture theory, along with defining the features of virtuality, as it expands upon the theoretical foundation of Walter Ong’s orality and literacy culture model. This includes contrasts between virtuality, literacy, and orality cultures, as well as the gap between secondary orality and virtuality culture. A reflection is shared on the three ways contemporary technology creates human presence related to virtuality culture theory, along with specific examples. This includes a rationale for why contemporary technology mediates opportunities for allowing us to be human in our communications, explorations, and interactions. Implications for further research related to this work are also addressed.

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  1. Northwest Institute of Research, 3823 West 12th Street, Erie, PA, 16509, USA

    Jennifer Camille Dempsey

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  1. Jennifer Camille Dempsey
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Correspondence to Jennifer Camille Dempsey .

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  1. College of Info, Ste G150, Univ of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA

    Michael J Spector

  2. School of Education, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    Barbara B Lockee

  3. School of Education, Baker University, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

    Marcus D. Childress

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Dempsey, J.C. (2018). The Theory of Virtuality Culture and Technology-Mediated Human Presence. In: Spector, M., Lockee, B., Childress, M. (eds) Learning, Design, and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_84-2

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    The Theory of Virtuality Culture and Technology-Mediated Human Presence
    Published:
    12 January 2018

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_84-2

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    The Theory of Virtuality Culture and Technology-Mediated Human Presence
    Published:
    26 July 2017

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_84-1

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