The role of public values, for instance, justice, humanity, and autonomy in education, has been emphasized amidst the phenomenon of responsible digitalization. However, the role of choice practices in shaping this phenomenon has received limited empirical attention. Therefore, this study employs an abductive grounded theory approach, by conducting interviews and focus group discussions to examine to what extent public values are a determinant to technology choice in educational institutions. To this end, we (i) map the technological tool landscape in schools by identifying the various software tools chosen by school leaders, teachers, and students, (ii) examine why these choices are made/what the determinants of technology choice are at present like the role of personal/institutional norms, attractiveness of a novel technology, ascription of responsibility etc., and (iii) if public values are a dominant determinant to technology choice-making. We use interview techniques such as probing and prompting at 4 levels to investigate public value engagement. Data were analysed using iterative open and selective coding from a pre-prepared codebook, supported by constant comparison across stakeholder groups. Triangulation between different data acquired through the interviews and in between-group comparison between stakeholders ensured analytical validity and enhanced interpretive robustness. We found that schools employ 50+ digital tools, including AI-based learning management systems, administrative software, etc, across stakeholder groups. Determinants of these choices are predominantly based on pedagogical considerations. References to public values such as professional autonomy and fairness are only implicit and lack engagement. These findings are insights into integrating normative factors into technology choice-making.

Authors:
Chandrima Chattopadhyay, Radboud University, Netherlands
Inge Molenaar, Radboud University, Netherlands

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Chandrima Chattopadhyay is a joint PhD Candidate with the Behavioural Science Institute and the Interdisciplinary Institute on Digitalisation and Society at the Radboud University, The Netherlands.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandrima-chattopadhyay-b067a466

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark