Ben Williamson is a lecturer in education at the University of Stirling. His research examines the interweaving of politics, governing, and digital technologies in education. He studies “network governance” in education policy, and is leading a funded project exploring how computer code interacts with educational institutions, pedagogic practices, and governing processes.
Ben Williamson
Articles
June 18, 2018
Scientists Seek Genetic Data to Personalize Education
Researchers have begun to propose using genetic data from students to personalize education. Bringing genetics into education is highly controversial. It raises significant concerns about biological discrimination and rekindles long debates about...
Categories: Edtech, New TrendsNovember 20, 2017
Wearable Real-time Brainwave Training in the Classroom
Earlier this year, I began to detect a growing interest in the idea that “neurotechnologies” such as brain-scanners and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) could be applied in education. A new field of “ed-neurotech,”...
Categories: Edtech, New TrendsNovember 13, 2017
Selling Social-emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning has become a significant education policy priority and a key focus for education technology development and investment. The core idea behind social-emotional learning (SEL) approaches is that the “non-cognitive” aspects...
Categories: Edtech, New TrendsAugust 14, 2017
The concept of “big data” has been the subject of considerable hype and speculation in recent years. So much so that the dominant technologies and technical practices that generate big data —...
Category: New TrendsJuly 10, 2017
Disrupting The Silicon Valley Department of Education
Over the last couple of years, increasing numbers of journalists and researchers have begun to focus on Silicon Valley as the epicenter of education reform. Silicon Valley companies, entrepreneurs, engineers and venture...
Categories: Critical Perspectives, EdtechMay 29, 2017
Platform Capitalism in the Classroom
Platform capitalism is the new global business model in an age of social media platforms, big data analytics and tech-centered venture capital investment. The big platform operators, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft and...
Category: EdtechMay 8, 2017
Learning from Brain-machine Interfaces
“Neurotechnology” is a broad field of technical research and development focused on the human brain. It includes advanced brain imaging but also new and emerging “brain stimulator” systems that may have the capacity...
Categories: Edtech, New TrendsApril 3, 2017
The most recent series of the popular conspiracy drama “Homeland” features a shadow intelligence agency dedicated to producing and circulating fake news and computational propaganda via fake social media user accounts. Run...
Category: Digital CitizenshipJanuary 30, 2017
Emotional Computing in Education
Psychology has long played a role in education by providing the surveys and questionnaires required to monitor students’ attitudes, dispositions and habits of mind. Today, psychology is coming to play an increasingly...
Categories: Edtech, New TrendsJanuary 9, 2017
Semi-automated Luxury Parenting
The toy company Mattel recently announced a wi-fi speaker-based voice assistant for children. Known as Aristotle, the toddler-proof alternative to Google Home or Amazon Echo is planned for launch this summer. Designed...
Category: New Trends