What are the possibilities and pitfalls of ‘teachnology’, with technology so intrinsically linked to teaching?

It's a huge question, says University of Otago criminology expert Dr Fairleigh Gilmour, when so much of the discussion around tech and teaching assumes people have equal access to, and capability with, technology. "But that is often not the case."

Fairleigh initiated and leads the Otago Uni Prison Education Programme at Otago Corrections Facility, as well as lecturing at Otago University. This innovative programme has already shown that access to higher education has profound impacts for incarcerated students.

Fairleigh’s discussion is part of MindJam, a celebration of thinking organised by Catalyst Trust and Otago University's Humanities Division in Arrowtown this Labour Weekend.

"Access to technology is increasingly an issue of social justice," she says. "Those who are already disadvantaged can be shut out from society, from their community, from paths that could take them forward, through a lack of skills or computer access."

So, how dependent should we be on tech for learning? Fairleigh will share lessons from teaching in the low-tech environment of prison about what is fundamental to lifelong learning for everyone.

Fairleigh is a senior lecturer in the Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology Programme. Her research explores prison education as well as gender, violence, criminal justice policy and the media.

This event is part of MindJam, in Arrowtown’s Lake District Museum Gallery this coming Labour Weekend:  Friday Oct 23, 6:30 pm; Saturday, 11am and 1 pm; Sunday 11am and 1pm.

Discussions will range from how to build a better world to the ‘new’ feminism, ‘teachnology’, AI relationships in literature and life, and the global context of NZ's general election.  Check the schedule on our Catalyst Trust website, Humanitix or Facebook page and join us for some MindJam magic.

Attendance is free, with koha going to Lakes District Museum's education programme.