International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 15, No. 4 (2019)

A Review of Permissible Computing in Education, values, assumptions, and needs

Seitebaleng Susan Dintoe

Abstract
Research has shown that there are challenges associated with the various uses of computers in education from an educational technology perspective (Dintoe, 2018; Lockhard & Abrams, 2004). Ragsdale (1988) showed that the successful use of computers depends on the willingness of education institutions (schools, colleges, universities, or other organizations), faculty, students/learners and parents to collaboratively work together to meet common goals. Although Ragsdale wrote this book in 1988, this book review discusses its value and relevance in terms of current educational technology use for pedagogies. Ragsdale’s purpose in this book was to “make explicit some of the value bases that support the various uses of computers in education”. The author shares his views on “Permissible Computing in Education, Values, Assumptions and Needs”. He argues that the assumptions that science and technology should be seen as ‘value-free pragmatism’ in terms of using tools and procedures for work are partly true. He further notes that values and needs are influenced by the use of science, emphasizing that permissible things, such as computers in education might not be beneficial or constructive. Therefore, the purpose of this book review is to discuss how Ragsdale’s book relates to the current literature on computers use in pedagogies and the strengths, weaknesses and/or areas not identified or those that are identified but not discussed in detail.

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