CRITICAL THEORY AND E-EDUCATION

Abstract

There is an evident trend of an increased use of and positive attitudes towards e-Education and distance learning within the Croatian higher education system. In this paper we examine students’ comprehension of certain meta-theoretical issues in e-Education, such as positivist, postmodern, and critical methodological approaches. Furthermore, we explore their attitudes concerning the main application approaches in educational technologies. We wish to ascertain the students’ expectations regarding new technologies involved in the educational process, the self-assessment of their own knowledge and inclinations towards the application of those technologies, the level of awareness regarding technology potentials and limitations, and the applicability for students with disabilities. In addition, we wish to check whether there is a reason to be hesitant, and also to examine the possible facets of resistance towards the implementation of such technologies. Considering the scope of e-Education application, we are to limit this paper to humanistic education, specifi cally, to teaching philosophy and Croatian language and literature.