From my perspective, the story of educational technology starts when the web was invented, in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee (pg 15). Learning that the foundation of the web started with a problem of sharing information is enlightening to me. One of my struggles is sharing cultural knowledge and teachings. I am not inventing a new idea, but wanting to use the idea of the web to resolve a problem I have, with education technology being one of the solutions.
One of the arguments presented is the freedom of technology and as Weller puts it “a system with no central authority” (pg 17). As a web user, I understand the risks associated. From one extreme, individuals can publish anything, true or false. With digital platforms like Wikis users “can track edits, roll back versions, and monitor contributions” (pg 25) which to me is invaluable for sharing information and making individuals accountable for their online contributions so the false information can be challenged.
Another area presented by Weller that was compelling to me is the first Open University, developed in 1999, two years after I graduated high school. 22 years later, in 2021, I am participating in my first program that requires no printed material, 100% digital. It is not a surprise that a revolution like education technology has taken decades to be implemented, as so many learning outcomes, in my experience, have been controlled by the Government and Churches. The web can eliminate this control and offer opportunities for other organizations so educators and learners like myself can access and take control of our learning.
Thinking of the evolution of education technology, if I were to write a book, it would begin in 1997, my first year of college where I was first introduced to the web. I enjoy making personal connections in my writing for the benefit of others, particularly from my home community. If I cannot make those connections, like a computer, I begin to crash and eventually, I shut down. Lastly, my story would not be a book, but rather, an ebook.
Reference
Weller, M. (2020). 25 Years of Ed Tech. Athabasca University Press. 25 Years of Ed Tech: The serialized Audio Version. (2021). https://25years.opened.ca
Hi Myrna,
I appreciate your comment about decentralizing control of information and allowing learners to choose how and from who they learn. Although learning in this way makes it necessary for consumers of information on the Web to be critical and filter through the vast amounts of information, there is incredible opportunity to gain knowledge that was previously not accessible.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! Hope to read your ebook one day 🙂