Online Learning and the Politics of Access in Public Education

This book critically examines and challenges the myth that online education can free us from the constraints of traditional in-person schooling, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Debunking misconceptions about online education and contesting the myth of a one-size-fits-all solution, Online Learning and the Politics of Access in Public Education explores the complex realities of e-learning.
Focusing on the ethical dilemmas of online education in a data-driven, profit-oriented world, the book examines how the notion of choice in K-12 education can commodify public schools, often deepening existing inequalities both locally and globally. Beyhan Farhadi, a former teacher turned professor studying education technology, highlights the complexities of access to online learning and questions whether technology can genuinely address issues of quality and equity in a landscape shaped by corporate influence over students and surveillance and privacy concerns.
Drawing connections between the pandemic's impact on education and the ongoing marketization of schools across North America, Farhadi illustrates how e-learning can perpetuate the same social and cultural disparities found in traditional classrooms. The book raises vital questions about the role of publicly funded education, the persistence of systemic oppression in schooling, and whether online learning can meaningfully bridge the gaps created by deep rooted inequities. Online Learning and the Politics of Access in Public Education is an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of education and its complex political dynamics.