Metaphors of Ed Tech

by Martin Weller

Overview

An investigation of the metaphors that abound in education technology, and how they can be used.

In 2020, seemingly overnight, technology took center stage in the delivery of not just some, but all education. The metaphors to describe this time leaned heavily on catastrophic terms: revolution, tsunami, and disruption. But why do apocalyptic metaphors abound in the field of education technology and what purpose do they serve? Martin Weller demonstrates that metaphors can enable educators to move beyond pragmatic concerns into more imaginative and playful uses of technology while cautioning against many of the existing metaphors that play into the adoption of technology that damages and limits the learner experience. Metaphors of Ed Tech is essential reading for anyone involved in education, but particularly for those still determining the impact and potential of the unprecedented pivot to online learning in 2020.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771993500
Publisher:	University of British Columbia Press
Publication date:	01/16/2023
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Martin Weller is professor of educational technology at the UK Open University. He is the author of The Battle For Open, The Digital Scholar, and 25 Years of Ed Tech.
 

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Role of Metaphor 3

Chapter 1 An Example of Metaphorical Thinking 17

Chapter 2 Thinking about Ed Tech 23

Chapter 3 Ed Tech as an Undiscipline 45

Chapter 4 Specific Ed Tech 59

Chapter 5 Ed Tech Criticism 83

Chapter 6 Open Practice 103

Chapter 7 The Coronavirus Online Pivot 133

Chapter 8 Pedagogy 149

Conclusion: Using Metaphor Appropriately 165

References 173