10 Replies to “Algorithmic Play Artefact”

  1. This is a really exciting piece, and there is so much into it, it really shows super hard work and I am really impressed by the way you have disentangle the different elements of no less than four major websites. I quite like the idea that some of our agency being taken away by the algorithms. At the end of the Netflix and Amazon bits, you worry about the monetisation of education by online platforms (datafication, in line with Williamson and others). I can’t agree more but I wonder: what do think would be the right regulation mechanism? Is it about regulation?

    1. Thank you for the positive comments jfalisse. I believe that there should be regulation and openness where certain algorithms are concerned and they should be left open to scrutiny and study.

  2. What a great artefact, Val! So much rich detail around the different algorithmic systems you explored, insightful commentary and really well presented – great visuals!

    It’s particularly fascinating to see you reflect on how the models of these algorithmic systems might be applied to education, potentially attempting to “transform” it according to the “Silicon Valley model”.

    You also mentioned Coursera, which was the main focus for my artefact. It was perhaps unclear there why courses were being pushed to the top of the list, whether there was someone sponsoring the ranking, and/or whether number of enrolments was a significant factor in the ranking. Certainly, there was a prevalence of “tech” courses in any case, and disciplines which perhaps tend to lead to higher earnings. All of this is perhaps concerning – arguably, just because a Netflix movie is less “watched” or makes less money doesn’t make it any less valid, and the same applies to educational courses. However, you can imagine in an educational setting the courses that “lead to higher earnings”, have higher student numbers and so on being pushed to the top in this model as you mention. This is something we can already see to a degree in university rankings…

    https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/feb/11/alarm-at-ofsted-style-plan-to-rank-universities-by-graduate-earnings

    …although perhaps framed by a more explicit political agenda. Whereas, the corporate Silicon Valley model (and commercial/political agendas) often seems to be “hidden” underneath slick user interfaces and the problematic notion of “making the world a better place” for all.

    Great artefact and very thought provoking – thank you!

    1. Thank you Michael. The interests of large companies are more often than not obscure and unfortunately, even when they dedicate resources to education, one cannot but help wonder if there is another reason behind it. Perhaps it is a symptom with all large corporations that exist on profit and marketing. Some may argue that it is in their responsibility to support different aspects of society, something of a give-back to the people who made them. Thank you for the guardian article Michael, it does support very well the idea that investment is made where there is the hope of returns.

  3. Dear Valerian,
    What a tremendous amount of work went into the creation of this artefact. All I can say is ‘Wow’, hats off to you .

    There was a volume of material covered but I liked how you made some important commentary on the concept of nudging, and particular it’s relevance to education.
    “it is a technique that has essentially developed in the marketing/consumerist industry to determine and shape advertising with the scope of generating more sales. By developing the concept of nudging in education from an economic perspective rather than a human one, the learning process becomes a commodity for corporations aiming to improve funding.”
    I couldn’t agree more and the biggest players with the biggest budgets are in a prime position to reap the rewards of this. Most of the big companies will implement a western style of education. A course which has been designed externally and without input from country based teachers and trainers risks creating a western education platform with western values encoded into it.

    1. Thank you Adrienne. I did get into the exercise. I found the concept of deconstructing algorithms very interesting in that decisions are relegated to machines in the hope that they make more accurate and unbiased decisions whilst in reality the way algorithms are designed may be biased in itself. Nudging is a behaviour which could help predict the outcome of an algorithm by ‘herding’ users in particular directions. When used well I consider it to be a very invaluable resource but when users are not aware of it, then it can be put to any use.

  4. Hi Val,
    I haven’t even got past the first page of your artefact but I’m already saying YES! Exactly! right on!
    Excellent way to frame the algorithmic play with all that context.

    Thank you also for providing an analysis of Amazon’s algorithm. The flow chart you created effectively illustrates how it works to my understanding.
    You engaged in such thorough, detailed and diverse play.

    Your point that “Amazon™ can easily fit the pattern of learning platforms like EdX or Coursera” reminded me of this article in which https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/amazon-coming-school

    I didn’t get to read your Netflix piece yet, but enjoyed the response of your Google Assistant.

    Great stuff!

    1. Thanks for your input David.
      I think that many learning platforms use a lot of techniques similar to those in eCommerce and entertainment platforms. The use of nudging techniques, tagging and positioning of choices at ‘eye-level’ are some of them.
      Thank you.

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