Distrusting Educational Technology

by Neil Selwyn

Distrusting Educational Technology critically explores the optimistic consensus that has arisen around the use of digital technology in education. Drawing on a variety of theoretical and empirical perspectives, this book shows how apparently neutral forms of educational technology have actually served to align educational provision and practices with neo-liberal values, thereby eroding the nature of education as a public good and moving it instead toward the individualistic tendencies of twenty-first century capitalism. Following a wide-ranging interrogation of the ideological dimensions of educational technology, this book examines in detail specific types of digital technology in use in education today, including virtual education, ‘open’ courses, digital games, and social media. It then concludes with specific recommendations for fairer forms of educational technology. An ideal read for anyone interested in the fast-changing nature of contemporary education, Distrusting Educational Technology comprises an ambitious and much-needed critique.

Genres: Technology, Education

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Neil Selwyn is a Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Education, Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He has worked for the past 25 years researching the integration of digital technology into schools, universities and adult learning. He is recognised as a leading international researcher in the area of digital education - with particular expertise in the 'real-life' constraints and problems faced when technology-based education is implemented. He is currently working on nationally-funded projects examining the roll-out of educational data and learning analytics, AI technologies, and the changing nature of teachers' digital work.

Reviews

[Corinne Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like the way Selwyn cuts through some of the idealistic and utopian rhetoric around educational technology. He manages to expose the way current ed tech rather than democratising society, can entrench existing power structures and create new elites; promote individualism over collectivism and common good; and further erode public education. I don't agree with every part of his analysis, which sought to problematise educational technology, but it does provide an excellent provocation: who really is empowered and who are exploited through educational technology?

[Michael Weinraub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, seminal, paradigm-shifting & forming, and impactful. Though they are very different books, I am reminded of James Gee's Social Linguistics and Literacies. Selwyn's pessimism leads him to interrogate ideologies and assertions of edtech's benefits, to great effect. As an online learning and learning design professional (read: advocate for well-designed, well-implemented virtual learning) this book was deeply influential to me in taking a critical stance on technology. Highly recommended.

[Kathryn Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because it gave an alternative viewpoint. While I didn't necessarily agree with everything Selwyn had to say, I do appreciate both sides to the educational technology argument. Selwyn crafts his arguments to be clear and concise, but also allows his readers to come to their own conclusion without trying to persuade them to agree with his opinion. This is a quick and entertaining read that really challenges you to think critically about the types of technology being incorporated into the classroom. Are they a hinderance or a help? That's for you to decide.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, critical look at educational technology. I may not agree with everything Selwyn says, but it does prompt thinking about ed tech. While Selwyn provides a critical view, he ends the book with sound suggestions for proceeding with research into and implementing educational technology.