THE TWO SCHOOLS: DISCOURSE AND PRACTICE OF TECHNOLOGY USE IN EDUCATION IN SÃO PAULO STATE SCHOOLS

Abstract

The introduction of new technologies in schools and education is an unstoppable process, resulting from the integration of these technologies into all aspects of individuals' social lives. The spread of social media has allowed people to connect based on shared interests. In this sense, traditional institutions built upon the values of typographic culture (schools, government, and science) now exist in an increasingly electronic society, leading to a clash of values that affects the understanding of the school's social role and its hierarchical organization. Through qualitative research based on document analysis—such as pedagogical political plans, regulations, and guidelines from the São Paulo State Department of Education—we were able to examine the introduction of new technologies in a public school in the city of Mauá. By analyzing three schools in the state of São Paulo, we demonstrate that little progress has been made in recent years regarding the discourse on the use of new technologies in schools, even though their importance is acknowledged in other sectors and investments have been made. For schools to continue fulfilling their social role, they must also reflect this evolving society by embracing new values tied to the electronic world.