Telling Tales on Technology

NEIL SELWYN School of Social Sciences Cardiff University,

• Contents: Taking a Qualitative Approach to Technology and Education: Introduction; Taking a qualitative approach to technology and education. The Politics and Economics of Technology and Education: The discursive construction of 'educational' computing in the UK, 1979-1989; The discursive construction of the national grid for learning, 1997-2002; The role of big business in UK education technology policy and practice. Individual Learners and Technology: Children's engagement with ICT in primary school; A-level students and ICT; Exploring accountancy undergraduates' use of ICT. Qualitative Explorations of ’Virtual’ Education: Perspectives of adult learners on ICT and learning; School teachers' use of an electronic discussion group. Lessons to be Learnt?: The dilemmas of critically researching technology and education; Conclusions; Bibliography; Index.

’Neil Selwyn's collection of insightful essays provides a wide ranging overview of the recent history of technology within UK education, from the political imperatives driving its introduction, to its implications within schools. Anyone who wishes to take an informed and balanced approach to understanding the key role of technology in UK schools today would be well advised to read this timely publication.’ Keri Facer, Head of Learning Research, NESTA Futurelab, Bristol, UK ’Dr Selwyn's research into the complexities of new technology in education is recommended to balance the optimistic perspective within the UK and beyond. I advise researchers, policy makers, and educational leaders in schools and universities to read this book.’ Professor Niki Davis, Co-Director of Iowa State University Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching, Iowa State University, USA '...this book stimulates reflection on a number of critical issues and dilemmas and for inclusion in an agenda for research and practice in education which avoids an uncritical adoption of technophile thinking.' Education, Communications and Information