Summay:

  • The speaker discusses the significance of speculative methods and pedagogies in shaping education futures. They share examples of speculative work, including the “Teacher Bot” project, which challenged assumptions about automation and teacher-student relationships in a MOOC. The presentation emphasizes how speculative approaches create alternative educational futures, challenging established narratives and fostering new possibilities. The speaker also addresses challenges and considerations in conducting speculative work and invites further discussion on the topic’s implications for digital education research and practice.

 

Digital technologies, including digital education, have a complex relationship with climate change. On one hand, they offer opportunities to reduce environmental impacts by enabling remote work and online learning, which can decrease the need for physical travel and infrastructure. However, these technologies also come with their own environmental costs, primarily related to energy consumption and electronic waste. It require vast amounts of energy to power data centers, servers, and devices. The energy sources used to support these technologies can have significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the manufacturing and disposal of electronic devices contribute to electronic waste and the depletion of natural resources.

Educational institutions do have a responsibility to assess their environmental footprint, including the impact of their digital initiatives. Here’s why:

  • Ethical Responsibility: Educational institutions are responsible for preparing students to be informed and responsible citizens. Part of this responsibility includes modeling sustainable practices, which includes assessing and mitigating their environmental impact, including digital technologies.
  • Role Modeling: Institutions play a role in setting norms and behaviors for their students and communities. By prioritizing sustainable digital practices, they can influence broader societal attitudes towards technology and climate change.
  • Learning Opportunity: Incorporating discussions about the environmental impact of digital technologies into educational programs provides students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of sustainability and the trade-offs associated with technology use.
  • Resource Efficiency: Assessing and optimizing digital infrastructure can lead to more efficient use of resources, reducing energy consumption and waste.
  • Long-Term Savings: Implementing sustainable digital practices can lead to cost savings in terms of energy consumption and equipment lifecycle.
  • Innovation: Encouraging discussions and research on sustainable technology can drive innovation in developing more energy-efficient digital solutions.

To assess their environmental footprint, educational institutions can take various steps:

  1. Energy Consumption Analysis: Determine the energy sources powering digital infrastructure and evaluate energy consumption patterns.
  2. Carbon Footprint Assessment: Evaluate the carbon emissions associated with digital technologies and identify ways to reduce them.
  3. Resource Management: Implement strategies to extend the lifecycle of devices, reduce electronic waste, and promote recycling.
  4. Renewable Energy Adoption: Transition to renewable energy sources to power digital infrastructure whenever feasible.
  5. Awareness and Education: Raise awareness among staff, students, and stakeholders about the environmental impact of digital technologies and promote responsible usage.
  6. Policy Development: Develop and enforce policies that encourage sustainable digital practices and promote energy efficiency.

In conclusion, digital technologies can both contribute to and mitigate climate change. Educational institutions have a responsibility to assess and manage their environmental footprint, considering the implications of their digital initiatives on sustainability and incorporating these considerations into their educational programs.