I believe that my field (instructional technology) tends to be
preoccupied with design issues, and we tend to neglect how people
choose to make use of our designs. We seem to be always fixing things
and meeting learning objectives--which is okay, but I think we need to
devote equal attention to critiquing current practice and helping
learners take responsibility for themselves. With Martin Ryder, a
former student, I have explored the use of various technologies as a
means of empowering workgroups and learning communities. A number of
our co-written papers on these subjects are available on my homepage at
www.cudenver.edu/~bwilson.
I feel a need to better understand the sociocultural foundations
underlying the use of these learning tools and resources. I am
familiar with writings in cognitive science, ecological psychology,
complexity theory, and postmodern critiques of technology, but am not
as familiar with sociocultural foundations--e.g., Dewey, Mead, and
activity theorists besides Vygotsky. I fully appreciate the value of
cultural critique, especially of technology practices. By listening in
on this list's conversation, I hope to be introduced to thinking in
some of these areas, and perhaps contribute my perspective where
appropriate.