» Politics in E.T. The Politics of Educational Technology

Politics in E.T.

Jun 18th, 2012 by manny

Government Interests vs Corporate Interests: An ongoing battle.

Technology in education has been strongly influenced by external interests, primarily those of government and capitalist corporate groups. The politics involved in this interaction dictates the consumerist marketplace and artefacts that we use today.

Government Interests:

Along with issues such as healthcare, social security, foreign policy and the economy, education is usually at the forefront of any political campaign. These issues usually provide the substance of most political debates. In his 2012 state of the union address, Barrack Obama is quick to offer his suggestions on how to advance Americas current educational system. Please click on the video below to hear a brief excerpt of his address.

Corporate Interests:

Corporate giants such as Microsoft, Apple and Google have been competing for first place in their quest to become leaders of technological innovation. These tech giants design and develop the type of technologies we use today. From the perspective of a shareholder, any corporate agencies prime focus is increasing the value of its stock. With this agenda in mind, corporations are forced to overlook the well being of public interest and invest in those endeavours that yield the most profit. The civil action lawsuit initiated by the U.S. department of justice against Microsoft in early 2000 is a prime example of how governments can and will step in when a corporation seeks to monopolize a market.

How does politics in E.T. fit in?

Corkboard Activity:

It is clear that there are many external factors that influence the types of technologies and how we use these technologies in education. By clicking on the link below, you will be directed to a corkboard activity. Your assignment is to post a sticky note on what you think is the biggest influence on technology in education today and why? Feel free to add other influences not covered in this tab. The results will be summarized in the discussion forum on Monday, June 25th/2012. Enjoy!

Politics in E.T. Corkboard

Discussion Question #3: (to be answered in discussion forum)

3. Technology has taken on the leading role in the reconstruction of education, do you feel that this is a fair assumption? What role do politics play in this assumption?

Comments Off on Politics in E.T.

Comments are closed.

The Politics of Educational Technology

ETEC 511

Politics in E.T.

Menu