Media mention: Jones and Hughes discuss the pandemic's effect on education
Stephanie Jones, a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice, and Hilary Hughes, an associate professor in the same department and graduate coordinator, recently discussed the pandemic’s effect on education with NPR’s On Point.
According to Jones and Hughes, this time has brought pockets of hopefulness and the possibility of change. However, the pandemic has also presented chaos and uncertainty.
“Unfortunately, we are relying on the narrative that technology is our savior,” said Jones. “Big technology companies started knocking on school doors when this pandemic hit. They have convinced some people that technology can save public education, which is not true. They looked to the market for an answer instead of teachers, children, young people, and people who understand learning, teaching, and what needs to be in place.”
Jones specializes in literacy, social class, and poverty, while Hughes’ areas of expertise include middle grades education, social justice teacher education, and adolescence. Together, they co-direct the Red Clay Writing Project, which helps K-12 students grow and develop as writers.