Software's smile: A critical software analysis of an educational technology specialist program

Abstract

Technology is increasingly positioned by policy makers as a necessary part of 21st century schools. However, it is not always clear how well our preparation programs in educational technology truly prepare educators for such work. In this study, the author critically analyzes official standards documentation for an educational technology specialist program in order to determine the degree to which pre-service educators are being prepared for what is expected of them. The author articulates a framework called critical software studies, which seeks to unpack the way software, which is what comprises modern technologies, demands a kind of scrutiny few acknowledge and consider when preparing future educators. The author concludes that the standards themselves do not take a critical stance with regard to technology, but rather presuppose technology as something neutral and purely functional. Several recommendations to improve standards and programs are then made to different stakeholders in teacher education. Keywords: teacher preparation, educational technology, software studies, critical software analysis, critical educational studies