Unpacking the Digitization and Datafication of Education: Thoughts from Finland and Beyond

Is “the world” still open? Why does it sometimes feel that the digitalization of education, datafication, and digital learning platforms raise new impossibilities and paradoxes? For example, can we really claim to educate self-directed 21st century learners when we increase datafication and online platform surveillance? These are some of the questions the Critical Applied Research of Digitalization in Education (CARDE) research group in Tampere, Finland is exploring with educators and researchers around the world. The mission of CARDE (about) is “Promoting deeper understanding of digitalization in education through critical applied research.” Research conducted at CARDE is international and informed by critical theory and critical pedagogy. It is also intended to connect and unite people around the planet with similar aims and goals. Learn about the mission of CARDE (about), current status, and the results to date from two of the founders as well as three CARDE research team members and students.