New Books in Science, Technology, and Society cover image

New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Lindsay Weinberg, "Smart University: Student Surveillance in the Digital Age" (Johns Hopkins UP, 2024)

Dec 21, 2024
Lindsay Weinberg, Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Tech Justice Lab at Purdue University, discusses her book on student surveillance in higher education. She examines how modern digital tools can hinder students' autonomy while potentially reinforcing systemic inequalities. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas of consent, the impact of predictive models on underrepresented students, and the growing influence of corporate interests in academia. Weinberg emphasizes the need for critical awareness and reform to protect student privacy and academic integrity.
48:12

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Lindsay Weinberg highlights how predictive analytics in recruitment can reinforce biases and harm students from marginalized backgrounds.
  • The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for student awareness and advocacy regarding their data privacy rights in smart universities.

Deep dives

Impact of Technology on Higher Education

Digital technologies are increasingly integrated into college campuses, creating what is referred to as a 'smart university.' This concept encompasses various innovations, including predictive analytics and artificial intelligence, which are used to optimize student recruitment, retention, and overall educational experiences. However, this reliance on tech solutions raises concerns about the potential exploitation of student data and the quality of education being compromised in favor of efficiency and cost savings. Moreover, the integration of these technologies often reflects broader ideologies about the future of higher education that may not align with the needs of all students and faculty.

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