Critical Theory & Critical Issues

EDUA 6381 - Critical Issue in Ed Tech

The impact COVID-19 has had on almost every segment of society is unprecedented, and one of the areas most impacted by the pandemic is the area of technology. As detailed in the article “Edtech and COVID-19,” the pandemic changed the traditional educational delivery methods here in the U.S. and also around the globe. Digital video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Lifesize, etc., are part of the new set of tools required for remote teaching, as well as messaging apps used for connecting with teachers or peers.

However, online learning presents numerous challenges for teachers, including populations that are already marginalized and exacerbated by their digital illiteracy, which only compounds their current situation (SREB, 2018). Also, some of the challenges stated in the article "The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever. This is how." by World Economic Forum (2020) are that some students do not have reliable internet access. Parent participation is essential to long-distance learning because it provides local support for the students at home. Technology should also be incorporated as a support mechanism for teachers in their professional development. Also, claims that they can adapt an existing curriculum and create digital content for online teaching of students.

To peak educators' interest in educational technology, understanding and adopting critical theories might be even more challenging. According to Nichols and Allen Brown (2004), critical theories are interesting, challenging, and ever-changing. Also, they noted that “Ingram and Simon-Ingram (1991) state that early critical theory has been characterized as a radical social theory (or sociology), a sophisticated form of cultural criticism coming Freudian and Marxist ideas, and a utopian style of philosophical speculation deeply rooted in the Jewish and German idealism.”

There are several topics in the Critical Theory of educational technology, such as Foundational Issues, including philosophy, language, instructional design and development, computers, and visuals. Also, Societal Relations include social foundations, feminism, race, capitalism, and the military. Moreover, Critical Media Education relates to feminist media literacy, media, and popular culture, television and video production, and postmodern media analysis. Then we have Ethics, Action research, and Ecology. In conclusion, technologies are not being utilized to their fullest potential.

10 Issues in Educational Technology

According to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB, 2018), ten issues exist in Educational Technology:

(1) Data systems collect, store, and manage large amounts of data from students, teachers, and schools. This information can improve educational outcomes by linking statewide data systems between early childhood through postsecondary and even the workforce. The article implies that linking data to be accessed in a helpful manner has become a challenge.

(2) Data Privacy; schools have collected volumes of personal private information over the years, and the need to secure these data systems and protect the confidentiality of the individuals is complex. Regulatory agencies enact laws to protect data and privacy, but sometimes these efforts impede both accessibility and the linking and sharing of this personal information.

(3) Predictive Analytics, through analysis of data, assists in the decision-making process and enhances support systems. When used correctly, it is a powerful tool: "full use of data generated technology systems that support education.”

(4) Bandwidth and its availability allow us to utilize technology fully. As technology has improved, so have digital devices that are used, i.e., cell phones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, smart home devices, etc.; all of these depend on the internet for use. The internet connection and the bandwidth provide seamless use of all these devices. Faster connections supported by fiber optic connections increase the bandwidth and the more efficient use of these devices, mainly when operated simultaneously.

(5) Emerging Technologies, comprise the nuances in technology or improvements to existing technologies that serve to improve institutional goals and provide a better learning environment for their students.

(6) New Learning Models promote increased student engagement and learning, culminating in more effective mastery of content because it can be presented at the student’s pace.

(7) Student Digital Literacy, the education system needs to ensure that students are digitally literate citizens with the skills to access, use, and develop information.

(8) Technology Security aims to protect information systems from unauthorized access, even when you have multiple users connected to the same network. Therefore, new network security systems are being devised to be multi-layered for enhanced security.

(9) Digital Accessibility, making sites and digital content accessible to all learners, especially to those students that are disabled.

(10) Policy ensures policies are adequate to support emerging technologies and what is already in existence. Policymakers need to set standards that support and not impede, and enact laws and regulations that protect accessibility and confidentiality but allow flexibility for technology to thrive and be used for the state purpose of improving our educational systems and, thus, providing more remote educational opportunities to students, as has become the trend after the COVID-19 pandemic.

References

EdTech Hub (n.d.) Edtech and Covid-19. 10 things to know. EDTECH AND COVID-19 10 THINGS TO KNOW

Nichols, R., and Allen-Brown, V. (2004). 9. Critical Theory and Educational Technology [Review of 9. Critical Theory and Educational Technology]. 1–29.

SREB. (2018). 10 Issues in Educational Technology (p. 9) [Review of 10 Issues in Educational Technology]. Southern Regional Education Board.

World Economic Forum (2020) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever. This is how. World Economic The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever. This is how