Learning with New Media Research Group

The inaugural LNM Conference was an immense success. A total of 16 presentations by nationally and internationally recognised researchers brought together a diverse range of critical perspectives on learning with new media. Dr Neil Selwyn, visiting scholar to LNM, provided the provocation based on his 2010 JCAL article, " Looking beyond learning: Notes towards the critical study of educational technology".

In addition to a proceedings of short papers, various outcomes from the conference include an edited book proposal, research partnerships and the cross-pollination of theoretical and critical perspectives. 

Schools and schooling in the digital age - thoughts from a UK perspective

Dr Neil Selwyn
London Knowledge Lab, Institute of Education, University of London
and Visiting Scholar to the Learning with New Media Research Group 

Abstract

What future is there for schools and schooling in the digital age? Do digital technologies herald the end of the 'industrial-era' institution of the school altogether? Alternatively, should schools be analogue 'fortresses' that offer respite from our otherwise technology-saturated lives? Based on recent experiences from the UK and US this lecture explores the many arguments being made for the technology led reconfiguration of schools. These include persuasive arguments being made for the development of systems of virtual schooling, 'school 2.0' and 'twenty-first century skills'. More radical still are calls for the technology-led 'de-schooling' of society based around collective forms of informal learning that can take place outside of the boundaries of formal education. Despite the clear appeal of such arguments, the lecture makes a case for the often-overlooked benefits of 'fixed' and formal educational institutions in an increasingly fluid and informal world. At best, then, it is concluded that contemporary schooling should be loosened-up rather than lost altogether.

Bio

Dr Neil Selwyn is one of the core academic members of staff at the London Knowledge Lab (LKL) – a UK research centre recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for the study of digital technology and media in an educational context. Neil Selwyn's own work is recognised as leading the social science literature on digital technology and education. To date, he is the (co)author of nearly 240 papers and articles – including 96 full-length refereed articles in academic journals, and 25 book chapters. Over the last fifteen years Neil has been principal investigator/ coapplicant on eighteen funded research and consultancy projects representing a total of $AUS1.35million of funding. Neil is a senior lecturer at the London Knowledge Lab, Institute of Education, University of London.

The LNM group is proud to announce that Dr Glenn Auld has taken up a post as Senior Lecturer at Deakin University. Glenn's valued work at Monash University, Faculty of Education has included providing leadership in critical perspectives of educational technologies in relation to literacy practices and literacy events, indigenous Australian education, critical literacies and linguistic human rights. Glenn will remain a strong participant and leader in the LNM group and we look forward to close ties with Deakin.