Book Review

This represents a brief overview of Richard Selfe’s Sustainable Computer Environments. Click HERE for my complete review.

Richard Selfe's stated purpose for his book, Sustainable Computer Environments is to describe for teachers, administrators and staff members in English studies departments and programs "how to create a robust, sustainable system of support for technology-rich teaching and learning efforts" (Selfe, Preface).

Selfe begins the book by acknowledging the difficulties inherent in these endeavors due to both the rapidly changing developments in technology and a lack in English and Language arts teachers' access to adequate professional development to enact standards for technological literacy as well as their lack of influence in the development of those standards or their implementation - factors that often create a "debilitating dynamic of blame that distracts teachers, administrators, and staff members from being active, critical, and productive managers of technology in their classrooms, schools, and institutions" (Selfe, pg. 8). While the influencing factors make it easy to understand how this type of dynamic can develop, it doesn't negate the fact that allowing this dynamic to continue or develop in the first place can result in "paralysis, misdirection, and a lack of productive action" (Selfe, pg. 11).

However, Selfe firmly believes in the possibilities for developing sustainable technology-rich learning environments. "Culture of Support" is the term Selfe uses to describe his alternative to the dynamic of blame. In order to develop this culture of support, Selfe claims that three crucial steps must be taken.

1. Recognize "the kinds of support that teachers require to integrate technology - in a meaningful way - into English and language arts classes" and then commit to "creating a culture that supports this effort" (Selfe, pg. 23).

2. Enable teachers of English and language arts to "assume a leadership role in creating and sustaining such a culture of support" (Selfe, pg. 23).

3. Identify the range of "primary or interested stakeholders who see the benefits of establishing and participating in such an effort" (Self, pg. 24).

Selfe's goal is to re-enfranchise teachers in the technology decision-making process by encouraging them to become "technological activists: folks who manage and shape technological change rather than simply falling prey to it" (Selfe, pg. 146). Selfe’s book provides practical advice for teachers, administrators and others to be active in developing strong and sustainable technology-rich programs through a methodology of People, First; Pedagogy, Second; Technology, Third in order to maintain a strong culture of support and put an end to the dynamic of blame.

Overall, I believe this book provides excellent information and I would highly recommend it for anyone working in any capacity in the English Studies and Language Arts who desires to be an influential part in creating new technology-rich learning environments or improving already-existing programs.

Source
Selfe, Richard. Sustainable Computer Environments: Cultures of Support in English Studies and Language Arts. Cresskill, N.J: Hampton, 2005. Print.