Software and the hidden curriculum in digital education

Citation

Edwards R (2015) Software and the hidden curriculum in digital education. Pedagogy, Culture and Society, 23 (2), pp. 265-279. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681366.2014.977809

Abstract
Computer technologies and computer-mediated information and communication are increasingly parts of curriculum-making practices in education. These technologies are often taken to be simply tools to be used to enhance teaching and learning. However, in recent years, a range of cross-disciplinary studies have started to point to the work of code, algorithms and standards in selecting and shaping the information, forms of knowledge and modes of interaction available to teachers and students. Concerns have been raised about how data is selected, shaped and represented by software in ways which are not always apparent to those using computer technologies. In this sense, software can be considered as part of the hidden curriculum of education. Drawing upon the increasing research in software studies, this article explores theoretically some of the issues raised in relation to curriculum-making practices and possible lines of empirical research to be pursued.

Keywords
digital education; curriculum; software; code; algorithms; standards

Journal
Pedagogy, Culture and Society: Volume 23, Issue 2

People

Professor Richard Edwards

Emeritus Professor, Education