Work

Experts’ discourses of children in the context of datafication of education

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates expert discourses on children in the context of the datafication of education in Finland. Drawing on interviews with 25 experts from education policy, educational technology, and data justice sectors, the present research identifies four key discourses: the “agentic child” as an active participant in data practices; the “juridical child” requiring protection under data laws; the “citizen-child” prepared for future societal roles through data literacy; and the “learning child” benefiting from personalized, data-driven pedagogy. These discourses reveal a complex, multifaceted conceptualization of children, shaped by ethical, legal, and pedagogical considerations, highlighting the interplay between childhood agency, rights, and education in a data-driven society.

Source: Childhood

DOI: 10.1177/09075682251346331

Authors: Pekka Mertala, Janne Fagerlund, Lauri Palsa

Institution: University of Jyväskylä

Language: English

Topic: Digital Education and Society

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650