bs2Oct 30, 2023
> Computers and the internet are among the most recent candidates in a very long list of information technologies that includes movies, radio, film stips, tape recorders, language labs, broadcast television, programmed learning machines, cable television, portable video cameras, VCRs, multi-media electronics, CD-ROMs, laptops, and large screen “SMART” boards. The #iClass network, Intelligent Distributed Cognitive-based Open Learning System for Schools..
https://www.langdonwinner.com/other-writings/2017/6/13/information-technology-and-educational-amnesia
#LangdonWInner
Information Technology and Educational Amnesia — Langdon Winner

Waves of enthusiasm for technological innovations that promise to revitalize teaching and learning are at least a century old.  Unfortunately, the record of accomplishment for the many varieties of hardware and software introduced into the schools over the decades is remarkably thin.&nb

Langdon Winner
Show threadbs2Nov 2, 2023

Three Recurring patterns

> First is the often dominant influence of commercial interests over other human concerns in education. Those who market new products have a vested interest in framing choices about teaching and learning as if they were similar to choices about consumer goods; education can become just another commodity for sale.

#TechEd #EdTech #EdTechPatterns

Show threadbs2Nov 2, 2023

> A second very common pattern is the victory of means over ends, of excitement about new tools over any thoughtful grasp of the fundamental purposes of education. The hardware and software are so intriguing in themselves that discussions about ends are shoved aside.

#TechEd #EdTech #EdTechPatterns

Show threadbs2

> Third is a very common tendency for educators to seek to advance their careers by promoting the new, technology-centered methods. Rather than present themselves as a good teachers first and foremost, they emphasize their roles as technical innovators, expecting that this will make them appear far more important.

#CareerEd #TechCareer #EdTechPatterns

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:35amWeb
Show threadskuaNov 2, 2023

@bsmall2

1/2
I've heard the fate of an Australian method for teaching #Literacy to children from non-literate homes described in terms very similar to what you present about tech in education.

(The following is unverified.)
It was called #ScaffoldingLiteracy and was an intensive method that resulted in effective engagement in literacy-developing activities by children from non-literate homes. In short - it appeared to work.

#Education #Pedagogy #DecliningLiteracy #AustralianEducation

Show threadskuaNov 2, 2023

@bsmall2
2/2

Trainings for teachers were conducted. The method expanded in reach.

Then it was decided to try it on children from literate homes but who were failing to thrive literarily. It didn't work well.

And AIUI (here you would really want to do your own research), so trainings were stopped and the method has fallen into dis-use. And children from non-literate homes are not doing well in literacy.

Show threadbs2Nov 2, 2023
@skua The GDM approach that makes my English teaching worthwhile was developed by I.A. Richards. . For literacy he also developed _First Steps in Reading English_ and wrote an essay about Jeanne Chall's survey of methods. Every new method seems to work better for a while. Your post makes me wonder if it's while the new way is funded and teachers are given more leeway to work? Richards thought teachers use the new method to appease overseers, but also use their tried and true ways.
Show threadbs2Nov 2, 2023
@skua I saw something about the best predictor of a kid's reading ability being the reading in their home. If the people at home just read the sports/financial news and no books the rich upper-class kid isn't going to be literate. With no books to read in an poor home... In the Winner's article he mentioned the key thing being good teachers. It's easier to be good when you have time and a stable life. Same thing for kids. Chomsky mentions family (homes) being way more influential than school.
Show threadbs2Nov 2, 2023
@skua Your reply reminds me of stuff I've seen about resistance to HeadStart programs in the USA... And 30 years ago the closing down of a program that worked for alcohol fetal syndrome children. That last mention may have been in an article about the USA's BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs... I imagine the same sort of problems are found in Australia.
Politicians might get more out of blowing budgets on iPads instead of teachers or building maintenence. LA news from a year or so comes to mind.