This Research Theme seeks to examine how new technologies are changing Australia and the implications of this change for government-provided education and puplic policy. In broader social terms, ICT has contributed to the space-time compression of everyday time: distance is no longer so great, while the instantaneous nature of email, instant messaging or SMS undermines the temporal delay between sending and receiving messages. In schools, ICT has revolutionised pedeagogical practice and ways of disseminating, storing and obtaining information. While ICT for some has opened up new worlds, it has also been termed a “digital hemlock” (Tara Brabazon, 2002).

Government recognises ICTs as improving efficienty in a large state with a highly dispersed population. For Australia and the OECD, ICTs are an important component of a creative or innovation economy. While ICTs can provide access to resources and knowledge, the challenge is to ensure access and proficiency with such technologies. The potentially limitless dissemination of information by information technology also raises issues about intellectual property. ICTs are also playing an increasing important role in the Arts – infotainment, electronic music and visual arts.

Eidos’ Wired Research Theme is dedicated to investigating the impact of ICTs on pedagogy, learning practices and new forms of social interaction. More generally, how does ICT impact upon education and public policy both here in Australia and internationally. And can ICT contribute to the sustainability and economic viability of regional and rural communities?

Measuring Technology
Queensland Government
In Queensland, “Education and Training Reforms for the Future (ETRF): ICT’s for Learning” outlines a significant change in emphasis for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), moving from a focus on hardware standards, towards a focus on learning. >> More details available here.