Counting on Computers - New Information Technologies and Curricular Change in East Germany, 1960s to 1990

Counting on Computers: New Information Technologies and Curricular Change in East Germany, 1960s to 1990 is a compelling exploration of socialist ambitions for a computerised future and how computer technology was imagined to reshape education and socialist society in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It delves into the positive visions of a computerised future embraced by the country's one-party leadership, and examines how these visions influenced educational policy and curricula as computers were introduced into workplaces and schools.
The book provides readers with a comprehensive perspective on the historical development of computer education in the GDR, highlighting the crucial links between the integration of computers in different sectors of the educational system, as well as in society and the socialist economy at large. By uncovering this lesser-known aspect of East German history, the book sheds light on the intricate and multifaceted relationship between technology, ideology, and education.

About the author

Carmen Flury, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany.

Summary

Counting on Computers: New Information Technologies and Curricular Change in East Germany, 1960s to 1990 is a compelling exploration of socialist ambitions for a computerised future and how computer technology was imagined to reshape education and socialist society in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It delves into the positive visions of a computerised future embraced by the country's one-party leadership, and examines how these visions influenced educational policy and curricula as computers were introduced into workplaces and schools.
The book provides readers with a comprehensive perspective on the historical development of computer education in the GDR, highlighting the crucial links between the integration of computers in different sectors of the educational system, as well as in society and the socialist economy at large. By uncovering this lesser-known aspect of East German history, the book sheds light on the intricate and multifaceted relationship between technology, ideology, and education.

Product details

• Authors: Carmen Flury
• Publisher: Oldenbourg
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 14.03.2025
• EAN: 9783111447636
• ISBN: 978-3-11-144763-6
• No. of pages: 291
• Weight: 546 g
• Illustrations: 4 b/w and 7 col. ill., 5 b/w tbl.
• Series: Studies in the History of Education and Culture / Studien zur Bildungs- und Kulturgeschichte
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Bildungsgeschichte, Sozial- und Kulturgeschichte, Ostdeutschland, DDR, Oral History, Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, Social & cultural history, History of Science, History of Education, GDR, Deutschland (DDR), Educational Technology, The Cold War, HIS037030 HISTORY / Modern / General, HIS037070 HISTORY / Modern / 20th Century, HIS054000 HISTORY / Social History, Zweite Hälfte 20. Jahrhundert (ca. 1950 bis ca. 1999), Bildungstechnologie, SCI034000 SCIENCE / History, Computerbildung, computer education