Metaphor and Educational Technology Discourse in the Social Studies

• In Event: 61.070 - Sheraton Roundtable 10 - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 61.070-4 - Readings Across the Contents and Subjects

Abstract

This study uses Lakoff & Johnson’s conception of metaphor as based upon primary bodily experiences to investigate contemporary educational technology discourse in social studies education. The last 3 years of scholarship are examined in a range of social studies journals. Five prominent categories of metaphor were identified: Manual labor metaphors, construction/building metaphors, mechanistic metaphors, technology as biological life/agent metaphors, and journey metaphors. Metaphors are necessary for understanding new experiences such as those associated with digital media, though some of the commonly utilized metaphors may hinder a full comprehension of the consequences of implementing new technologies in the field.

Authors

• Lance E Mason, Indiana University - Kokomo

• Joe Bishop, Eastern Michigan University