Brave New World(s): Governing Clouds, Smart Schools, and the Rise of AIEd

Abstract

New technology tends to invite speculation on the future of societies, inspiring visions of both hope and horror. This chapter continues that tradition, exploring the application of emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to processes of governance and learning in education. Drawing on both utopian visions and twin nightmares of machinic-dystopias, the analysis reflects on the application of new technology designed to fulfill the UN’s post-2015 agenda in education. In highlighting divergent traditions, the analysis then shifts to the application of the same technology in China as part of the Chinese Dream, under which the Chinese government aims to become the world leader in AI while revitalizing the nation’s cultural traditions. These ambitions are explored through the introduction of Smart Cities, a system of Social Credit, and Smart Schools. Finally, the chapter reflects on these visions of twenty-first century pedagogy and possible resources for thinking about a future that cannot be fully apprehended.

Citation

Auld, E. and You, Y. (2019), "Brave New World(s): Governing Clouds, Smart Schools, and the Rise of AIEd", Jules, T.D. and Salajan, F.D. (Ed.) The Educational Intelligent Economy: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things in Education (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 38), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 233-249. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-367920190000038014