Project Overview
This project advocates for minimal computing approaches in education technology to promote digital equity, sustainability, and accessible learning environments. By challenging the assumption that more technology equals better education, this work explores how simpler, more sustainable approaches can create more inclusive and effective learning experiences.
What is Minimal Computing?
Minimal computing is a philosophy and practice that emphasizes:
- Sustainability: Using technology that minimizes environmental impact and resource consumption
- Accessibility: Ensuring technology works across different devices, internet speeds, and technical capabilities
- Simplicity: Focusing on essential functions rather than feature-heavy solutions
- Longevity: Creating solutions that remain functional over time without constant updates
- Equity: Reducing barriers that exclude users based on technological access or ability
Core Principles
Environmental Sustainability
Reducing the carbon footprint of digital education through efficient, low-resource technologies that don't require constant hardware upgrades.
Digital Equity
Ensuring educational technologies work for students regardless of their device, internet connection, or technical expertise.
Long-term Viability
Creating educational resources and platforms that remain functional and accessible over years, not just months.
Global Accessibility
Designing for the global majority who may not have access to high-speed internet or latest devices.
Key Research & Publications
Practical Applications in Educational Settings
In my work at Georgetown University's Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship (CNDLS) and beyond, I advocate for and implement minimal computing principles through:
Static Site Generators
Using lightweight, fast-loading websites for course materials that work on any device and connection speed.
Low-bandwidth Solutions
Prioritizing text-based and optimized multimedia content that remains accessible to students with limited internet access.
Open Source Tools
Leveraging free, community-supported technologies that reduce institutional costs and increase transparency.
Progressive Enhancement
Building base functionality that works everywhere, then adding enhancements for users with better technology access.
Connection to Digital Pedagogy
Minimal computing intersects with critical digital pedagogy by:
- Questioning Power Structures: Challenging who gets to participate in digital education based on their technology access
- Promoting Inclusion: Ensuring that learning opportunities aren't limited by technological barriers
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: Asking students and educators to question technological assumptions and choices
- Supporting Agency: Giving users more control over their digital learning environments
Environmental and Social Justice Dimensions
This work recognizes that technology choices have broader implications:
- Climate Impact: Reducing the carbon footprint of digital education through efficient resource use
- Global Equity: Designing for the global majority who may not have access to high-speed internet or latest devices
- Economic Justice: Reducing the financial burden on students and institutions for technology access
- Long-term Sustainability: Creating educational resources that remain functional over years, not just months
Challenges to the Status Quo
This project challenges several assumptions common in educational technology:
- That newer technology is always better technology
- That feature-rich platforms improve learning outcomes
- That high-tech solutions are more engaging or effective
- That students and faculty should adapt to technology rather than technology adapting to users
Future Directions
Ongoing and planned work includes:
- Developing minimal computing guidelines for educational institutions
- Creating workshops and training programs on sustainable EdTech practices
- Researching the learning outcomes of minimal vs. maximal computing approaches
- Building networks of educators committed to sustainable digital practices
- Advocating for policy changes that prioritize accessibility and sustainability in EdTech procurement