Digital neocolonialism and massive open online courses (MOOCs): colonial pasts and neoliberal futures

Resource type
Journal Article
Author/contributor
Title
Digital neocolonialism and massive open online courses (MOOCs): colonial pasts and neoliberal futures
Abstract
Through evaluating dominant MOOC platforms created by Western universities, I argue that MOOCs on such platforms tend to embed Western-centric epistemologies and propagate this without questioning their global relevance. Consequently, such MOOCs can be detrimental when educating diverse and complex participants as they erode local and indigenous knowledge systems. Arguing that the digital divide is an exacerbation of historical inequalities, I draw parallels between colonial education, specifically across Sub-Saharan Africa, and ‘digital neocolonialism’ through Western MOOC platforms. I analyse similarities in ideology, assumptions, and methods of control. Highlighting evolving forms of coloniality, I include contemporary problems created by neoliberal techno-capitalist agendas, such as the commodification of education. Balance is needed between the opportunities offered through MOOCs and the harms they cause through overshadowing marginalised knowledges and framing disruptive technologies as the saviour. While recommending solutions for inclusion of marginalised voices, further problems such as adverse incorporation are raised.
Publication
Learning, Media and Technology
Volume
44
Issue
3
Pages
365-380
Date
July 3, 2019
ISSN
1743-9884
Short Title
Digital neocolonialism and massive open online courses (MOOCs)
Accessed
28/09/2019, 11:49
Library Catalogue
Taylor and Francis+NEJM
Citation
Adam, T. (2019). Digital neocolonialism and massive open online courses (MOOCs): colonial pasts and neoliberal futures. Learning, Media and Technology, 44(3), 365–380. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2019.1640740