The Digital Culture and -Peda-Socio- Transformation

This paper presents a concept called the digital culture, which emerged during a five-year research project of online professional development networks for educators. Turning first to a discussion about the digital culture model, I suggest that technology is no longer solely a separate, objective entity in society. The integration of technology in human communication engages technology as part of the communication act and therefore as part of the process of creating meaning. Developing an awareness of the implications for behavior, norms and values, and meaning making is integral to understanding the digital culture. Following a conceptual explanation of the digital culture model, I explore the implications for education, both in relation to opportunities and points of concern. My intent in this paper is to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue among educators about the need to see technology integrated with pedagogy, communication, and organizational systems. While considerable research has addressed dimensions of technology in learning and societal development, educational systems have yet to develop a holistic model that integrates all four. I suggest that this is a missed opportunity not only for schools, but also for engaging youth in lifelong learning and social transformation.