The use of the ‘ecology’ metaphor is intended to evoke the complex systems of biological ecologies and to frame thought and discussion to help us understand our relationships with technology and the social and natural systems they are embedded in. From this, possible avenues for action may come about. The ecological metaphor suggests several key properties of environments in which technology is used:
- An information ecology is a complex system of parts and relationships.
- It exhibits diversity and experiences continual evolution.
- Different parts of an ecology coevolve, changing together according to the relationships in the system.
- Several keystone species necessary to the survival of the ecology are present.
- Information ecologies have a sense of locality
Consider how these properties of an ecology system can help you understand the mutual interrelationships involved in all the elements of the ‘Information Ecology’ in your school or place of work. Can you identify the ‘keystone species’? What are the ‘diversities’?
“Healthy information ecologies take time to grow, just as rain forests and coral reefs do. An information ecology begins with our own efforts to influence the shape and direction of the technologies we use and the settings in which we use them. We urge people to get involved in the evolution of their information ecologies – jump into the primordial soup, stir it around, and make as many waves as possible.”
Once you have looked at the readings and additional information visit the Vista site to consider and discuss this question with your colleagues:
FOCUS QUESTION 2: Bonnie Nardi says she is using the “Ecology Metaphor” for stimulating discussions about our power to make decisions around the use of our technologies. Do you think this model can help and clarify the discussion? Why or why not?
Adapted from: Nardi,B & O’Day,V. (1999). Information Ecologies: Using Technologies with Heart. London. England. MIT Press. Reviewed by Dr. Chris Halaska, Eugene, Oregon. In Journal of Political Ecology, VOLUME 8 (2001) retrieved from: http://jpe.library.arizona.edu/volume_8/Halaska301.html
Chapter 4 retrieved from: http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/672/582
Additional Readings:
- Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students
- The Relationship between Educational Ideologies and Technology Acceptance in Pre-service Teachers
- Information and Communication Technologies in Schools – A Handbook for Teachers
- Pedagogy, Technology and Student as Producer
- Guattari, F. (1989). 3 Ecologies Guattari 511. New Formations, 8, 131 – 148