Good review of Brad Mehlenbacher's Technology and Instruction that sets the discussion in the context of the tension between theorist and practitioner. "Until these suspicions and the resulting gaps separating the work of each groups are resolved, education will continue in the current state: scholars' work (both scientific discoveries and epistemological thinking) will be ignored by practitioners; practice will vary according to political whim rather than emerging understanding." I think that's a bit overstated, but more subtle aspects of the debate emerge through the review. For example, while noting that "a recurring theme in the field is the non-neutrality of
ICT," Ackerman suggests that this is "an example of the 'too theoretical' approach that causes practitioners to view scholars with suspicion." Perhaps, but the greater concern, I think, is the tendency of scholars to cite each other rather than the reports of people actually practicing in the field; this leads to a disassociation of scholarly tradition from reality. On a side note, I will give Technology and Instruction the award for 'best book cover of the year' - I know it's early, but I doubt this will be topped.
ICT," Ackerman suggests that this is "an example of the 'too theoretical' approach that causes practitioners to view scholars with suspicion." Perhaps, but the greater concern, I think, is the tendency of scholars to cite each other rather than the reports of people actually practicing in the field; this leads to a disassociation of scholarly tradition from reality. On a side note, I will give Technology and Instruction the award for 'best book cover of the year' - I know it's early, but I doubt this will be topped.
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