ERIC Number: EJ1069658
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Oct
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0313-5373
EISSN: N/A
E-Learning Pedagogy in the Primary School Classroom: The McDonaldization of Education
Etherington, Matthew
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, v33 n5 Article 3 Oct 2008
This paper begins as an initial rejoinder to the ideas expressed by Ross (2000) in The Promise and Perils of E-Learning: A critical look at the new technology. In his article, Ross supports the traditional practices of pedagogy at the primary school level--face-to-face pedagogy--and then critiques what he describes as a "fetishisation" of technological pedagogy--a fetishisation seen in the increase of E-learning pedagogy at the primary school level. The ideas expressed in this article gain their structure and momentum from Ross's (2000) arguments against E-learning and extends a more cautious approach to the widespread belief in the success of E-learning pedagogy. The main thesis is that E-learning spawns numerous problems for primary students--namely a homogenisation and dehumanisation. This ultimately leads to what Ritzer (2000) calls a "McDonaldisation of education".
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Elementary School Students, Teaching Methods, Criticism, Conventional Instruction, Interpersonal Competence, Web Based Instruction, Socialization, Educational Attitudes, Global Approach, Technological Literacy, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Learning Motivation, Time Management, Educational Benefits, Access to Education, Social Networks, Moral Development, Foreign Countries
Edith Cowan University. Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, West Australia 6050, Australia. Web site: http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A