A Review of Technology in Teaching and Learning
The objective of this review is to outline current thinking on the role of technology in education. This paper was written before the global Covid -19 pandemic that forced an “online pivot” in educational settings. The “wicked problem” of technology integration in education is now a significant concern for many educators, due to the Covid “black swan” event.
The objective of this review is to outline current thinking on the role of technology in education. This paper was written before the global Covid -19 pandemic that forced an “online pivot” in educational settings. The “wicked problem” of technology integration in education is now a significant concern for many educators, due to the Covid “black swan” event. This event makes the current review even more crucial as factors that impact integration of technology in educational contexts are discussed in detail.
Hence, this paper favours a pedagogical rather than techno-centric approach to integration of technology in educational environments. The review outlines the various technology standards and policy documents available to Education International member states, and then proceeds to discuss factors that influence technology integration in educational contexts. These integration factors include availability of technology, technical support, beliefs about technology, teacher autonomy, technological self-efficacy and cultural values related to technology.
The final section analyses the benefits and risks of educational technologies. Assistive technologies, the affordances of distance learning and how mobile devices have changed the way students access education, are discussed. Concerns about over-reliance on technology are then examined, and a discussion of the risks associated with commercial interests, artificial intelligence and data privacy outlined.
The report concludes with four key recommendations for Education International members.
