Better Ed-Tech - why we need to develop forms of Ed-Tech that are better for people, better for communities & better for the planet

It is becoming increasingly evident that the mass application of digital technologies in education is turning out to be far more problematic (and far less beneficial) than we were led to believe. Students and teachers are now dependent on digital systems, software and devices that are reinforcing some of the worst aspects of contemporary institutionalised education - standardisation of practice, continuous monitoring and surveillance, inflexible managerialism, and the increasing corporate capture of public education. At the same time, these digital technologies seem to be exacerbating social inequalities, and working to disadvantage the already disadvantaged. Perhaps most seriously, it is beginning to be realised that the mass production, consumption and disposal of digital technologies comes at an increasingly unacceptable environmental cost.

All told, it seems sensible to contend that current forms of EdTech are neither environmentally nor socially sustainable in the medium to long term. In this spirit, Neil Selwyn argues that we need to begin to think radically differently about possible futures of education and technology in light of impending climate breakdown and eco-compromised conditions. In particular, he will go through a number of different ways in which new approaches toward EdTech might be developed that make dramatically reduced planetary demands, while also genuinely advantaging the disadvantaged. This presentation will set out to convince you that something different has to be done in the world of EdTech...  the most pressing question is how radical we are prepared to be!

About the Speaker

Neil Selwyn is a Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Education, Monash University who 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.

Neil has carried out funded research on digital technology, society and education for the Australian Research Council (ARC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), British Academy, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE), the BBC, Nuffield Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, Gates Foundation, Microsoft Partners in Learning, Becta, Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT), Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), Save The Children, Centre for Distance Education, the Welsh Office, National Assembly of Wales and various local authorities in the UK.

Neil is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences, and has worked with a range of international organisations including the UN, UNESCO, OECD, Council of Europe, Fundación BBVA and various national government organisation and think-tanks. Neil is a regular media commentator (NYT, WSJ, CNN, Guardian, BBC, ABC), and also produces/ hosts the 'Meet The Education Researcher' podcast - exploring the latest ideas from across the world of education research.

The speaker will deliver the lecture live online and to a gathering at St Luke’s Campus (Lecture Theatre EMS G18).   

Please register via Eventbrite to reserve a place.