Chapter 8: Transformative Learning: Musings on Space, Place, Pedagogy, and the Role of Educational Technology

Kerr (2004) stated, “Common images of technology, including educational technology, highlight its rational, ordered, controlled aspects” (p. 113). Kerr added that education is an arena in which many view technological solutions as a way to bring “increased efficiency, order, and productivity” (p. 113). This stance fosters a rather “mechanic enthusiasm”—find the right machine or program and “address the problems of schooling and improve education” (p. 113). We suggest a counternarrative to such a mechanic approach. We view technologies as tools that enable human capabilities, especially when those tools are positioned in the field of education. Complementing this view is a definition of technology endorsed by the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) that encourages educators to begin to broaden their use of tools from merely being