Spatial and Mobility Theories

These theories are based on the relationship between the global and the local. These concepts have varied a lot over time due to multiple causes. It is important to remember that when we talk about mobility, we do not only talk about people but also about knowledge. My interest in this class is focused on understanding how to apply the elements identified by Marianne (spatial theories, networks and mobility) to the efforts of higher education in Ecuador.

In this class, the conversation about the difficulties for the mobilization made me reflect on my own experience. I have been a recipient of scholarships from the Ecuadorian Government on two occasions, to study a two-year master's degree in Mexico and this time to study a four-year doctorate in Canada.

At the first opportunity, as a young professional, single, without a defined job opportunity was a very simple decision. Going to Mexico would create new professional and personal development options. However, this time with a stable job, an already formed family and an unborn child it was almost inevitable to doubt whether travelling to Canada was the most appropriate option. For these reasons, I found Marianne's study of the challenges facing teachers to be very interesting, especially because in Ecuador this is a very tangible reality.

The reality of my country is very different from that of more developed countries that can carry out high-level research within their borders, or of the European context in which it is very easy to move between their different countries. Our opportunities to mobilize are undermined by the limited access to resources, financing and political kidnapping that prevails in large part of our institutions of higher education.

This topic is of great interest for future research. Next, I will write down some of these ideas for future reference:

• Limitations for mobilization in teachers of Ecuadorian universities.

• The impact of the SENESCYT scholars in the mobilization and transfer of knowledge. 

• Use of geographic information systems to determine the economic impact of the mobilization.

Socio-Material Theories: Focus on Actor Network Theory

Material objects have agency, that is, they exert influence on individuals and modify their circumstances. It is interesting how in the presentation of Dr. Viczko she mentioned that ANT only shows the different relationships between the actors, but it does not focus on the power relations between them.

From my point of view, this theory provides a good starting point. However, they need to be complemented with others that provide greater depth in the study. Probably this assertion is too hasty for me because of my limited understanding of the real application of this theory. By taking Dr. Viczko's class later, I hope to have an opportunity to improve my understanding of this subject, which may even be useful in my thesis research.

The image below shows an interesting application of ANT in the development of graphical user interfaces. This is an example of how software elements (non-material actor) influence how we use computers today.