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Educational technologies and the privatization of public education

Tampere University
1.9.2021–31.12.2024
Area of focusSociety, Technology

This research analyzes the growing significance of educational technologies (ed-tech) in public education and its connection to the increasing influence of commercial actors.

The research analyzes ed-tech policy documents, interviews teachers, school administrators and ed-tech marketers and uses the methods of digital ethnography to investigate the use of ed-tech in public secondary schools. This provides an in-depth view into the interests and connections behind ed-tech and its often unexpected effects in schools.

The project produces new knowledge on an issue that is topical but not widely-researched, therefore making room for a much-needed discussion on the role of private actors in public education.

Funding

Research Council of Finland

Co-operators

Nelli Piattoeva, TAU
Maiju Paananen, VADA
Antti Saari, TAU
Ben Williamson, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Neil Selwyn, Monash University, Australia