ETEC 511 e-portfolio

Here is DLG 7’s summary of the module:

“1. Consumerism and technology. Who is to blame for all the “junk”?

The ‘Story of Stuff’ illustrated the relentless cycle of consumer goods production and its environmental impact on human and environmental health. Toxic waste and hard waste were key impacts illustrated in the video.
Linking the issues of ‘waste’ to educational technology, the implications for teachers are to be more discerning in their use of technology. Further, to help foster opportunities to raise awareness among students of the need to be responsible consumers. Many ETEC 511 members felt guilty about the waste they are contributing through continued use of new ed tech. Cost becomes a factor when buying new becomes more affordable than re-using, increasing the culture of waste. How to stop/slow the producers and partners in the consumer goods production cycle remains unsolved. Government-corporate relationships are under the radar. It has been suggested that more research could tip-the-balance or conversely, substantiate the messages in this video.

Consensus among ETEC511 cohort: I have too much stuff. We would like options for recycling/reusing. Great suggestions for ink cartridge refills in Calgary/Vancouver.

2. Are there borders between nature, culture and technology? (explaining the “Manifesto for Cyborgs”)

In the DLG7 Live Forum on Friday, 22 October, Dr. Petrina and Dr. Franc highlighted some key points from Harraway’s “Manifesto for Cyborgs”, stating “her argument is for pleasure in the confusion of boundaries and for responsibility in their construction” (Manifesto for Cyborgs, p. 66). When Harraway ends with a statement about her preference to be a cyborg over a goddess, it becomes evident this essay is a statement about ecofeminism.

Petrina highlighted how “there is no difference between actors and networks”. The cyborg is a a “companion species”, a hybrid of human and technology. Harraway’s article was also directly linked to hybridity theory, and can be linked to “The Story of Stuff” because it invites another discourse, one about reproduction, when nature had not previously been a part of the discussion.

Harraway uses a metaphorical cyborg to question the ideological dichotomies of mind and body, animal and human, organism and machine, public and private, nature and culture, men and women, primitive and civilized.

Cyborgs do exist in ontological terms. There are some cyborgs out there.

ETEC511 cohort contributions included: We may or may not be cyborgs. When approaching the term cyborg metaphorically, the concept of being a cyborg allows us to break down or challenge the existing forms of domination.

3. 2020 Vision

In the article, 2020 Vision, Petrina highlights the political influence of corporations on consumers. His ‘black box theory’ posits that corporations isolate and conceal their ideas and methods so that consumers don’t have a say in product development. This control leads to consumers being engineered, and societies too.

ETEC 511 Consensus/views: We want more FLOSS in our schools! Teachers need to be wary of the black box when it comes to educational technology: if we don’t understand it, chances are it won’t get used properly. When corporate designs control the world (Apple’s iPad/iPhone, etc) the lack of control of the individual can breed apathy (lack of concern over Flash incompatibility).

4. Networked cities: exchanging places for spaces

It is not often that architecture is linked to technology. This one-hour lecture by William J. Mitchell (presented to MIT in 2003) provided an insightful analysis of the changes in ‘place’ and ‘space’ – where and how people connect and work. Mitchell illustrated how miniaturization and portability of technology goes hand in hand with miniaturization of physical infrastructure (e.g. workspace). Some forms of infrastructure are disappearing (e.g. street-side phone boxes). Given the more dynamic forms of networking that are available with digital technology (evidenced by people working in cafes), cities are starting to resemble “nervous systems”.

ETEC 511 consensus/views: Like Mitchell suggests, technology has become an extension of self. Social spaces are crucial to educational environments, but the shape of educational institutions is changing. As more e-Learning offerings are available, there is a reduced need for on-campus spaces. Libraries are also now reducing in size in part to the large number of e-resources out there.

5. OLPC: educational technology in undeveloped countries

The purpose of the One Laptop Per Child program is “to create educational opportunities for the world’s poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future.” The program has been providing laptops to children in under-developed nations, but the initiative has come under much scrutiny since its implementation. Questions of corporate/political interests, societal values, and proper training before implementation have all been raised by the programs critics.

ETEC 511 consensus/views: Educational technology does not/cannot serve its purpose without proper education (explaining and teaching about the technology before it’s implemented). The program itself appears to have merits, but there are issues that need to be taken into account as well, particularly the issues of politics, government, and funding. Links were made to the i-Learn project in Kelowna, where the district embarked on a 1-to-1 laptop initiative for middle school-aged children. The costs of implementation, training, and laptop maintenance were underestimated.” (DLG 7 ETEC 511, 2010).

I found this module to be engaging and interesting . I loved the Moodle format and the various activities etc. Except for the minor inconvenience of Moodle not working, it was great! I loved talking about cyborgs! It was a fun unit.