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    Technological Cultures

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    Summary of Technological cultures by Monohan, T. (2005).

    Monohan asserts that the creation of official IT positions within school districts to manage technological infrastructure investments has “split the classic dichotomy between administrators and teachers, leading to profound destabilizations of authority and to many contentious turf wars.” (2005, p. 74)

    The article looks at some of the different occupational groups in the Los Angeles Unified School District discussing their roles, locations and influence. He proclaims these positions “taken as a whole, constitute a powerful present and emergent IT occupational group consisting of multiple cultures. This IT group, while clearly not homogeneous or unified, is gradually gaining authority over domains previously controlled by other groups” (2005, p. 80).

    Monohan goes on to explain that while in the eyes of some; “technology is an equalizing force that neutralizes power asymmetries in the organization, this interpretation elides the agency of IT specialists to nurture dependencies that happen to grant them more job stability and resource control in L.A. Unified.” (2005, p. 85)

    The article concludes by looking at the role of informal networks. “Informal networks could serve as a model for human-centered flexible relations within the organization, because while they may bend the rigid rules of the school district, they also spur innovation, tap latent possibilities, and provide local responsiveness to students and teachers. That said, informal networks would not be so necessary if the institution of public education and its organizational manifestations adapted better to the needs of people rather than forcing people to adapt to them.” (2005, p. 91)

    By clicking on the following tag cloud, you will see an interactive summary of the key terms in the article.

    Reflection Questions for post- reading:
    • What technological cultures are there where you work?
    • Which are you apart of?
    • How do they influence each other?
    • How do they influence student learning?

    References:

    Monahan, T. (2005). Technological cultures. In Globalization, technological change and public education (pp. 73-92). New York: Routledge.

     

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