The world we live in has changed, and there is no denying that global temperatures are on the rise. Educational technology (Ed-Tech) is also evolving rapidly and continuously shapes the way we learn in new ways. The impact of Ed-Tech on the environment, both positive and negative, should be considered as we move forward in time.
As part of LRNT 521, we have paired up to explore the impact of digital learning in various contexts. My partner for this research, Shazia, will be exploring the positive environmental impact of Ed-Tech on her blog, while I will highlight some of the negative impacts in the list below:
- Ed-Tech relies on digital devices which are constructed from a variety of metals, contributing to the consumption of non-renewable resources.
- Production of digital artifacts and devices uses considerable energy consumption. It is estimated that 70-80% of a lap tops energy use in its lifecycle happens during the production of the product itself.
- Data processing and storage at data centres and server farms use significant power and water to function.
- “Recycling” and disposing of devices and hardware comes with an environmental cost leading to increased pollution, contamination and toxic waste.
- Not only do devices consume energy while in use, but they also drain energy when idle, adding to overall energy consumption.
- Technology-induced energy savings results in more widely used technology, increasing energy consumption through a ‘rebound’ effect (Huang, A., 2011; Macgilchrist, F., 2021; Selwyn, N., 2021).
References
Huang, A. (2011). Applying sustainable systems development approach to educational technology systems. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 40(1), 19–34. https://doi.org/10.2190/ET.40.1.c
Macgilchrist, F. (2021). Rewilding technology. On Education. Journal for Research and Debate, 4(12). https://doi.org/10.17899/on_ed.2021.12.2
Selwyn, N. (2021). Ed-tech within limits: Anticipating educational technology in times of environmental crisis. E-Learning and Digital Media, 18(5), 496–510. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530211022951
I really enjoyed reading the negative effects of EdTech on the environment! I didn’t know a lot of these facts. Have you found any possible solutions to these problems in the literature?
I really enjoyed how you and Shazia collaborated on this activity! I’m ashamed to say that I never stop to think about the environment when using technologies. I didn’t realized the amount of negative impacts that educational technology has on the environment. This was very eye-opening. Thank you for sharing Leah!
Thank you, Giulia! I also enjoyed the way Shazia and I approached this topic – it really was eye-opening. The negative impacts really stop you in your tracks and make you think about how you can do better or how you can make your own technology use more sustainable. I have said this in the comments below, but this topic really stuck with me. Thanks for reading 🙂
Since technology is unlikely to decrease in its use (there are too many affordances of technology), what do you think are some of the ways we can mitigate these harmful effects of technology on the environment? This article by Doan et al. (2019) seems to indicate with proper subsidies and infrastructure we could reduce the negative effects of e-waste management. Do you think we can come to a solution to resolve the e-waste problem and come up with a sustainable solution?
I think technology companies need to slow down a bit and refrain from presenting the next shiny new thing all the time, as this encourages consumers to buy more. Additionally, making devices more sustainable (i.e. Apple not changing the ports on everything all the time). If our devices last longer, then there will be less e-waste. Selwyn (2021), as referenced in my initial post, suggests that we need to rethink what “better” means – not the next best thing but more sustainable technology and devices – somewhat of a backwards progression. Progression in recycling processes (and awareness) is also a strategy that would be worthwhile. Tech companies taking responsibility for the end life of their products, in a sustainable and humane way. As for management of our current e-waste problem, I am not sure we can effectively manage it, I am more of the belief that we need to reduce it.
I would agree with that. Products today are being made only to last a 2-5 years because the expectation is that people will just buy the latest model instead of repairing their current one. The cost of repair have become too high and it’s no longer worthwhile for the consumer to repair. The unfortunate truth is that it’s often cheaper and makes more sense to replace than to repair.
Doan, L. T. T., Amer, Y., Lee, S. H., & Phuc, P. N. K. (2019). Strategies for E-Waste Management: A Literature Review. International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 13(3), 157-162.
I am ashamed to admit that it took me much longer than it should have to figure out how to leave a comment on your blog 🙂 I really like how succinctly you wrote about the environmental impacts. I also touched on environmental impacts, but in regards to consequences for disadvantaged people, and your post brought even more ideas to mind with that regard. For example, I have often heard that Canada and the U.S. ship their garbage and recycling to other countries, and now I am wondering if our technology recycling is perhaps creating further environmental problems in less economically developed countries? In your readings, did you come across anything about where the technology waste is going?
Thank you, Rebecca! I agree that the environmental impacts largely fall on the shoulders of poorer countries and their people. Your question has prompted me to dive a little deeper. I came across an article that revealed the issue of e-waste dumping in Africa, particularly the Agbogbloshie dump in Ghana, where workers are becoming ill due to exposure to toxins (Yeung, 2109). The World Economic Forum (2019) reports that we are generating 50 million tonnes of e-waste every year (which is equivalent to the mass of 125,000 jumbo jets, more than have ever been created), with most of this waste being dumped in Africa, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, South Asia and Eastern Europe. Selwyn (2021) suggests a systems approach to dealing with this issue rather than an individualistic approach, as most of the environmental impact occurs during production and end of use. Tech companies need to take ownership and responsibility to ensure sustainable production and recycling processes. So much to think about, and I honestly never realized how significant this problem is 🙁
References
Selwyn, N. (2021). Ed-tech within limits: Anticipating educational technology in times of environmental crisis. E-Learning and Digital Media, 18(5), 496–510. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530211022951
World Economic Forum. (2019) A new circular vision for electronics: Time for a global reboot. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_A_New_Circular_Vision_for_Electronics.pdf
Yeung, P. (2019, May 29). The toxic effects of electronic waste in Accra, Ghana. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-29/the-rich-world-s-electronic-waste-dumped-in-ghana
Honestly, Nicole, the reading I did on this made me uneasy. Especially the one from Selwyn, which is actually in our Unit 4 readings. It has certainly made me pause and think about my use of technology, and I would like to make some changes as a result. I thought there would be a ton of research as well, but I had a hard time finding info on the environmental impact specific to educational technology. Although, I think you could draw inferences from technology in general.
This is the first time I’ve seen the environmental impacts put so straightforward and it’s terrifying. I really like this topic, how did you find the research portion? I imagine there is A LOT!!