Technology: What’s hype and what helps 

Technology: What’s hype and what helps 

Author: Ethical Schools August 18, 2022 Duration: 22:00

We speak with Dr. Justin Reich, director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, and host of the TeachLab podcast, about education technology. Hailed by some as the great equalizer, the beneficiaries of ed tech tend to be white and affluent. Focused on equity by design, Dr. Reich observes that when teachers learn, they have insufficient opportunities to practice. So he and his colleagues are creating digital clinical simulations, practice spaces for teachers. They’re also helping educators to figure out what they can stop doing, to allow more time for what’s useful.

Overview

00:00-00:43 Intros

00:43-02:55 Examining claims that tech is a vehicle to promote equality in education

02:55-06:33 Tickle down?

06:33-07:41 How tech introduction increases the digital divide

07:41-10:22 Better strategies for improving education

10:22-14:06 What can make a difference in creating more equitable educators

14:06-16:33 Measuring the impact

16:33-18:51 tsl.mit.edu/TeachLab podcast

18:51-19:21 Unfinished learning

19:21- Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcript of this episode. 

References


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

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