Edtech's Crossroads: A Pioneer's Perspective on a Mixed Legacy
original article by Mary-Liz Shaw
The world of educational technology (edtech) has long been a battleground of ideas, a landscape of dazzling innovation, and at times, a field of unfulfilled promises. In a recent interview, edtech pioneer Anne Trumbore, author of "The Teacher in the Machine: A Human History of Education Technology," delves into the complex history of her field, offering a critical yet hopeful perspective on its past, present, and future.
The Dueling Visions of Edtech's Founders
Trumbore traces the roots of edtech to three key figures, but it is the philosophical divide between two of them, Patrick Suppes and Seymour Papert, that has shaped the industry. Suppes envisioned technology as a "super tutor," a system capable of guiding students through any problem. In contrast, Papert saw technology as a "super tool," empowering students to solve problems on their own. While edtech has evolved from Suppes' more rigid model towards Papert's vision of student empowerment, the journey has not been without its challenges.
The "Dark Side" of a Booming Industry
Trumbore doesn't shy away from the "dark side" of edtech. She argues that the field has often been so enamored with the technology itself that it has neglected the human element of education. The relentless drive for commercialization, she suggests, has overshadowed the goal of serving disadvantaged students.
A Critical Look at the Present, and a Hopeful Glimpse of the Future
Trumbore expresses concern about the current state of edtech, criticizing its focus on "hype and innovation" over evidence-based research. She also points to a lack of diversity in the field and a failure to adequately support the most vulnerable learners.
Despite these criticisms, Trumbore remains optimistic. She believes that technology, when wielded thoughtfully, can forge a more equitable and effective education system. However, this future is not guaranteed. It hinges on a collective shift in focus back to the human side of learning and a renewed commitment to helping every student succeed.
For the readers of EduAI.help, Trumbore's reflections are particularly salient. As we stand on the cusp of a new era of AI-driven education, her words serve as a crucial reminder. Will we repeat the mistakes of the past, chasing technological novelty for its own sake? Or will we learn from the "mixed record" of edtech and build a future where technology truly serves the deeply human endeavor of education? The choice is ours to make.
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