1.) Provide a summary of the information shared in the session.
In the session, Neil Selwyn discusses the ecological impact of digital education, highlighting concerns about the excessive use of EdTech and its contribution to environmental issues and social inequalities. He elaborates on the associated ecological consequences including energy consumption, electronic waste, and resource depletion. Selwyn then provides three potential responses to these concerns: the first one being the continuation of excessive technology use, the second one being the rise of eco-friendly technology and digital education contributing to climate action and sustainability, and the third one is the complete rejection of digital technology and transition to a post-digital era. Selwyn then states that instead of these extreme positions, he proposes embracing concepts of ecojustice and degrowth to promote fair and community-driven use. Selwyn then proposes three responses to these concerns: excessive use, eco-friendly technology for sustainability, and rejection for a post-digital era; but proposes to instead embrace concepts of ecojustice and degrowth to promote fair and community-driven use. Conclusively, Selwyn ends the session by encouraging further discussion on the topic.
2a.) Reflect on the impact that digital technologies (including digital education) have on climate change.
The impact of digital technologies on climate change is significant and complex, with Professor Neil Selwyn’s insights shedding light on this relationship. The growing use of digital technology raises environmental concerns, particularly in education, contributing to energy consumption, electronic waste, and resource depletion; prompting critical reflection on the implications of EdTech.
2b.) Do educational institutions have a responsibility to assess their environmental footprint?
I believe that educational institutions have a responsibility to assess and regulate their digital activities to reduce their environmental footprint, as they have a much larger scale and should take a proactive role. This includes raising awareness about the ecological impact of EdTech for both students and staff.
Short-self-reflection:
I chose this activity because I was interested in learning more about the impact of EdTech on climate change, and ultimately did gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between technology, education, and the environment. Professor Selwyn’s insights on the ecological impacts of EdTech definitely did illustrate the complexity of the issue, with his overall discussion highlighting the importance of considering ecological implications. This activity aligned with my learning goals as it helped me understand the societal and ethical dimensions of technology and showed me how digital technology can have environmental consequences. Through this critical review of the experience, I learned the importance of adopting a balanced perspective when assessing the impact of EdTech (and digital technologies in general). Moreover, this session has reinforced the importance of carefully evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of technology. Overall, this session has enhanced my awareness of the complex interplay between technology, education, and environmental responsibility.