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A study on the mediation of students' activities by digital material

Published:28 August 2012Publication History

ABSTRACT

Motivation -- We aim to make visible, and understand, students' appropriation of digital course material.

Research approach -- Artefact use was traced and ethnographic interviews conducted throughout one lecture period. Activity Theory guided the analysis.

Findings/Design -- The study shows the diverse use of digital artefacts as part of a multiple mediation of students' activities at different levels. Possible uses are described that reveal how students develop agency.

Research limitations/Implications -- Details of artefact use within lectures were not observed directly. The number of participants is small and limited to one specific university. A descriptive analysis is provided.

Originality/Value -- Few studies have included a broader picture of students' activities in their analysis of digital artefact use in higher education.

Take away message -- There is no perfect course (material) for everyone. Students' material use has to be understood in the context of their network of activities.

References

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  • Published in

    cover image ACM Other conferences
    ECCE '12: Proceedings of the 30th European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics
    August 2012
    224 pages
    ISBN:9781450317863
    DOI:10.1145/2448136

    Copyright © 2012 ACM

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    New York, NY, United States

    Publication History

    • Published: 28 August 2012

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