| Title: |
Digital Neocolonialism and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Colonial Pasts and Neoliberal Futures |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Adam, Taskeen (ORCID 0000-0003-2467-5726) |
| Source: |
Learning, Media and Technology. 2019 44(3):365-380. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
16 |
| Publication Date: |
2019 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Large Group Instruction; Online Courses; Neoliberalism; Higher Education; Student Diversity; Indigenous Knowledge; Cultural Influences; Ideology; Foreign Countries; Educational Technology; Technology Uses in Education; Foreign Policy; Language Usage; Commercialization |
| Geographic Terms: |
Africa |
| DOI: |
10.1080/17439884.2019.1640740 |
| ISSN: |
1743-9884 |
| Abstract: |
Through evaluating dominant MOOC platforms created by Western universities, I argue that MOOCs on such platforms tend to embed Western-centric epistemologies and propagate this without questioning their global relevance. Consequently, such MOOCs can be detrimental when educating diverse and complex participants as they erode local and indigenous knowledge systems. Arguing that the digital divide is an exacerbation of historical inequalities, I draw parallels between colonial education, specifically across Sub-Saharan Africa, and 'digital neocolonialism' through Western MOOC platforms. I analyse similarities in ideology, assumptions, and methods of control. Highlighting evolving forms of coloniality, I include contemporary problems created by neoliberal techno-capitalist agendas, such as the commodification of education. Balance is needed between the opportunities offered through MOOCs and the harms they cause through overshadowing marginalised knowledges and framing disruptive technologies as the saviour. While recommending solutions for inclusion of marginalised voices, further problems such as adverse incorporation are raised. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2019 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1223984 |
| Database: |
ERIC |