Published by Joan Oladunjoye on the 30th of August 2024
Weller’s concepts of “historical amnesia” and the “year-zero mentality” resonate with the shift from analog to digital technologies, such as Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) in the early 1990s. Despite their revolutionary potential, BBS faced technical barriers and user resistance, illustrating Weller’s critique that new technologies often ignore past lessons (Weller, 2020, Chapter 1). The struggles with BBS, including student frustration (Mason & Kaye, 1989, as cited in Weller, 2020), highlight the importance of building on past successes and failures rather than dismissing them.
One argument I find compelling yet challenging is Weller’s support for the slow adoption of educational technologies. His emphasis on a measured, evidence-based approach is vital for stability, but it may overlook contexts where rapid adaptation is crucial, such as during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic (Weller, 2020, Chapter 6). This tension between innovation and stability underscores the complexity of integrating technology in education. Weller’s caution against rushing toward disruption is necessary but could benefit from acknowledging situations where speed is essential.
If I were to write a similar book, I would start the history of educational technology earlier than 1994, recognising the foundational impact of earlier media like radio and television. These technologies laid the groundwork for the digital tools we use today, and acknowledging this broader historical context enriches our understanding of the field. Weller (2020, Chapter 1) rightly warns that focusing solely on recent developments risks losing valuable lessons from the past.
Conclusively, Weller’s work offers a critical lens on educational technology, urging professionals to balance innovation with tradition. While his arguments are compelling, they challenge us to think critically about when to prioritise stability over rapid innovation.
References:
Alrazni, A. (2024, April 8). The Journey of Educational Technology: A brief history. Medium. https://medium.com/@ahmad_alrazni/the-journey-of-educational-technology-a-brief-history 9d9a2d5e5714#:~:text=The%2020th%20century%20witnessed%20the,avenues%20for%20teaching%20and%20learning.
Weller, M. (2020). 25 years of ed tech. Athabasca University Press.