Learning in the Cloud: How (and Why) to Transform Schools with Digital Media (Technology, Education--Connections

by Mark Warschauer

This comprehensive and cutting-edge book portrays a vision of how digital media can help transform schools, and what kinds of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, infrastructure, and learning environments are necessary for that transformation to take place. The author and his research team spent thousands of hours observing classes and interviewing teachers and students in both successful and unsuccessful technology-rich schools throughout the United States and other countries. Featuring lessons learned as well as analysis of the most up-to-date research, they offer a welcome response to simplistic approaches that either deny the potential of technology or exaggerate its ability to reform education simply by its presence in schools. Challenging conventional wisdom about technology and education, Learning in the Cloud :

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Neil Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Learning in the Cloud, Mark Warschauer provides a comprehensive overview of the nature of education within the context of technology in the “Information Era”. The primary focus that Warschauer has is on the contrast of an Education-Technology program in two different schools; one was successful and one was not. After introducing each scenario, he then closes the gap between the two, identifying what does and does not work when technology is introduced into educational systems. Throughout his research, he is able to expose the shortcomings of our complicated education system, and break it down into manageable practices. After detailing the philosophies and concepts that drive each practice, Warschauer is then able to infuse each with specific ways technology will work as a tool to further education rather than just a misused asset to a flawed system. He concludes with an overview of a recommended framework of teaching through, and with technology.
During the introductory and clarifying stages of Learning in the Cloud, I felt underwhelmed. As a recent graduate in the field of Education, many of the education philosophies and principles are second nature to my understanding, which resulted in a summer that did not captivate me. However, Warschauer is very deliberate about defining and clarifying every principle and concept that he incorporated in his work, which makes this book a crucial starting point when evaluating the way technology can and should impact an educational system, as long as it is used as a starting point and not counted on as a reference guide for a new framework. He is candid and concise with his research based suggestions for improving the educational atmosphere in the context of technology, however I felt hungry for more by the end of the book.
While reading the conclusion, I found myself nodding in agreement, but also wondering what else the author had to add to the topic beyond his research. While the majority of the work revolved around outside research, and synthesizing it for his purposes, Warschauer could have included a chapter that detailed what he thought was an ideal system for the incorporation of technology in education. During Warschauer’s evaluation of the Understanding by Design framework for education, I was held particularly captive. This evaluation was what I thought should be his springboard for a framework that he could design, based on the research and case studies that he has so excellently synthesized thus far.
Despite how much more I think Warschauer had to offer, Learning in the Cloud provides an excellent introduction into a lot of the problems that exist in the United States’ education systems, particularly in the context of technology in the “Information Era”. The reader gains not only an introductory lesson, but also a glimpse into some of the pedagogies and frameworks that have the potential to revolutionize the existing educational systems. Technology is a tool that is either under-utilized or is misused, and Warschauer exposes the misuse while providing the reader with a guide to incorporating technology in a way that is focused on improving the student’s academic achievement in authentic ways. His book should be the first stepping stone for anyone looking to do any work with a technology transformed school.

[Geoff Cyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, practical read about what works and doesn't work with technology in education. Spoiler alert: teachers matter!