ERIC Number: EJ1233300
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Nov
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1478-2103
EISSN: N/A
Mapping the Political Economy of Education Technology: A Networks Perspective
Regan, Priscilla M.; Khwaja, Elsa Talat
Policy Futures in Education, v17 n8 p1000-1023 Nov 2019
The field of education technology (edtech) has emerged as a complex, multimillion-dollar industry, with various hubs in the USA leading the boom. This exploratory article uses a networks perspective to reveal the power dynamics of investor firms in edtech. The analysis examines the current top venture capitalists and their edtech companies, based on primary funding relationships. The article begins with an explanation of how edtech emerged, an overview of the K-12 environment, and an analysis as to why edtech companies have become vital players in the education sector in the USA. This study highlights the most influential actors in the edtech political economy and their structures and interactions, and concludes with recommendations for future research. The investigation has involved examining the top investors and companies closely, alongside the political and economic motivations behind their investments.
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Elementary Secondary Education, Kindergarten, Corporations, Power Structure, School Business Relationship, Political Influences, Financial Support, Economic Factors, Social Networks, Network Analysis, Educational Policy, Commercialization
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A