EdTech Annual Conference 2025
South East Technological University
Waterford, Ireland
May 29 & 30, 2025
Conference Agenda
Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
Please note that all times are shown in the time zone of the conference. The current conference time is: 13th Oct 2026, 11:59:20pm IST
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Daily Overview |
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Research Papers, I Location: Auditorium Session Chair: Dr Fiona Concannon, University of Galway | |
| Presentation 2 | |
11:35am - 11:55am
AI and EdTech as Climate Criminals SETU Carlow, Ireland This study was undertaken to highlight the ecological implications of EdTEch, the excessive nature of modern digital technology, to examine the need for sustainable practices in the ICT sector and education's involvement therein. The environmental impact of EdTech remains an underexamined consequence of the use of digital technology in education contexts, one that is not often considered among known issues of digital education. This impact is growing exponentially with the presence of Artificial Intelligence in the sector. The selection and adoption of EdTech tools is deeply influenced by institutional policies and governance, which have remits to reduce ecological impact and carbon footprint, but rarely consider digital technology and EdTech as part of the harmful contributors. Understanding and addressing these interconnected challenges is critical for aligning EdTech with planetary and social equity goals. The study follows a "possible action structure" used by Neil Selwyn that considers “business as usual”, “greening” EdTech, and “burning it to the ground” to critically analyze the sustainability claims and practices within the EdTech sector. Actionable insights are drawn from the empirical examination of case studies; selected socio-technical educational practices, in which computing technologies are embroiled, including solar-powered websites, self-hosted systems, and upcycled hardware infrastructures. The outcomes of the research identify practical strategies, for people to come together and directly counter EdTech’s environmental footprint. The research uses an exploratory case study methodology, and a theoretical framework which is directly influenced by the principles of ecojustice and permacomputing. These perspectives provide a lens for evaluating the ecological, social, and cultural dimensions of EdTech and for proposing sustainable alternatives. The study situates EdTech within broader socio-political and cultural contexts, contributing to critical debates on its future. By connecting the critical analysis with possible solutions, it opens avenues for constructive dialogue on aligning digital education with ecological responsibility, aiming to offer critical insights for policymakers, educators, and technologists. | |

