Using History to Shape Policy for Educational Technology

Abstract

This paper suggests ways in which policy-makers can use history to develop plans for bringing computers into schools. It briefly discusses both the advocacy and concern of educators who support the introduction of computers in schools as well as those who question such efforts. Two ways of applying historical analysis to the issue of educational technology are proposed. The first looks at changes in the educational institution over time. The growth of the common school is discussed as well as the bureaucratization of schools. Both changes resulted from societal pressure on the institution. The second application of historical analysis looks specifically at past attempts to introduce educational technology in the schools. Differences between past and present factors and situations are mentioned, and ways of preventing repetition of past failures are suggested.

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