Purdue professor’s new book explores intersection of ethics and technology in higher ed

Lindsay Weinberg, clinical associate professor in Purdue’s John Martinson Honors College (JMHC), recently released a new book, “Smart University: Student Surveillance in the Digital Age.” The book explores the ethical implications of technology in education and challenges educators to critically examine the tools used on their campuses and their impact on students’ rights and experiences.

“This book is the culmination of five years of research, driven by my commitment to transparent and accountable technology,” Weinberg shares. “I believe it is essential for everyone involved in higher education to be aware of how digital tools shape our learning environments and to question the narratives that promote them as neutral solutions.”

In her book, Weinberg questions the idea that digital technologies are always the appropriate solution to higher education challenges within and beyond the classroom. According to Weinberg, “in many cases, these tools sideline issues of inequality, defunding and the corporate takeover of university infrastructure in the name of improving inefficiencies.”

To coincide with the book release, the JMHC will host an upcoming panel event, where Weinberg will engage with fellow experts and educators to discuss the critical themes raised in her work. “Technology is not just a tool; it’s a powerful force that shapes the present and future of our educational environments,” Weinberg explains. “We need more occasions to think critically as a community about the technologies we’re asked to use and develop, and the values and assumptions embedded within them.” REGISTER HERE

The panel takes place at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in Honors Hall. Its purpose, Weinberg says, is to foster an engaging dialogue on the integration of technology in higher education, emphasizing the importance of greater transparency and centering ethical concerns such as issues of privacy and exploitation.

Book cover for "Smart University: Student Surveillance in the Digital Age"

“Ultimately, I wrote this book to spark a conversation about the ethical development and use of technology in education,” Weinberg says. “It’s crucial that we understand how these tools can impact our teaching, working and learning experiences, and that we foster a more open dialogue about their role in our academic institutions.”

TECH JUSTICE LAB

While the book and panel are central to her current work, Weinberg also leads the Tech Justice Lab at the John Martinson Honors College. This collaborative space promotes research and discussions about the social and ethical impacts of technology, allowing scholars and students to come together to address the challenges raised by  technology’s integration into society. 

The Nov. 7 panel will provide a platform for participants to delve deeper into these critical issues, fostering awareness and encouraging thoughtful discourse about the future of technology in education.

Andrea Mattingly

Director of Communication for Teaching and Learning, thomas78@purdue.edu