Exploring ‘Tech for Good’ in education: practitioner experiences of developing socially impactful technology

The Project

This study investigates the “Tech for Good” landscape in Education.

Digital technologies have long been implemented in education on the grounds of having a positive social impact – overcoming barriers to education access, allowing for more diverse forms of education provision, and actively advantaging otherwise marginalised social groups. However, it is now well-recognised that the use of digital technologies in education does not necessarily lead to equitable educational processes or outcomes; and a growing number of stakeholders question the validity, sustainability, and value of some of the digital technologies available. These problems have led to a growing focus on “Tech for Good”, a complex and underdefined community which comprises of multiple private, public and third sector actors that are united in their intention to find ways to develop technology that leads to positive social and educational change. Through a scoping review and in-depth interviews with practitioners, we seek to better understand the “Tech for Good” landscape in Education, exploring the motivations and the experiences of the varied groups who are trying to achieve educational and social change through the use of technology.

Project Details

Start date: January 2025
End date: October 2025
Funder: John Fell Fund
Theme: Critical Digital Education Research Group