Actor-Network Theory in Education

Actor-Network Theory (ANT) has enjoyed wide uptake in the social sciences in the past three decades particularly in science and technology studies and is increasingly attracting the attention of educational researchers. ANT studies bring to the fore the material ? objects of all kinds ? and de-centre the human and the social in educational issues. ANT sensibilities are interested in the ways human and non-human elements become interwoven. Since its first introduction actor-network theory has undergone significant shifts and evolutions and as a result it is not considered to be a single or coherent theoretical domain but as developing diversely in response to various challenges. This book offers an introduction to Actor-Network Theory for educators to consider in three ways. One mode is the introduction of concepts approaches and debates around Actor-Network Theory as a research approach in education. A second mode showcases  educational studies that have employed ANT approaches in classrooms workplaces and community settings drawn from the UK USA Canada Europe and Australia. These demonstrate how ANT can operate in highly diverse ways whether it focuses on policy critique curriculum inquiry engagements with digital media change and innovation issues of accountability or exploring how knowledge unfolds and becomes materialized in various settings. A third mode looks at recent 'after-ANT' inquiries which open an array of important new approaches. Across these diverse environments and uptakes the authors trace how learning and practice emerge show what scales are at play and demonstrate what this means for educational possibilities.

Paperback: 200 pages

Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 11 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 041549298X

ISBN-13: 978-0415492980

Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces