Critical studies of education and digital technology – an overview

Critical studies of education and digital technology – an overview

• Neil Selwyn, Monash University, Australie

doi : 10.18162/fp.2019.579

Résumé

The use of digital technology is a central component of most forms of contemporary education provision and practice. Crucially, educational technology is now a multi billion dollar business – involving global technology corporations in local educational provision and practice. The need for critical questions to be asked of education and technology is more pressing than ever. This article lays out some fundamental areas of questioning that need to be voiced in the face of such advances. In doing so, the article will also consider the theoretical bases for taking a critical approach toward technology and education; the heritage of critical scholarship produced throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; current areas of critical investigation and inquiry; and future directions and likely developments. These should all be seen as informing the ongoing need for critical voices in this increasingly important area of education.

Abstract

The use of digital technology is a central component of most forms of contemporary education provision and practice. Crucially, educational technology is now a multi billion dollar business – involving global technology corporations in local educational provision and practice. The need for critical questions to be asked of education and technology is more pressing than ever. This article lays out some fundamental areas of questioning that need to be voiced in the face of such advances. In doing so, the article will also consider the theoretical bases for taking a critical approach toward technology and education; the heritage of critical scholarship produced throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; current areas of critical investigation and inquiry; and future directions and likely developments. These should all be seen as informing the ongoing need for critical voices in this increasingly important area of education.