TY - JOUR
T1 - Technology affordances
T2 - The 'real story' in research with K-12 and undergraduate learners
AU - Wijekumar, Kay J.
AU - Meyer, Bonnie J.F.
AU - Wagoner, Diane
AU - Ferguson, Lon
PY - 2006/3
Y1 - 2006/3
N2 - Computer technologies for learning environments have been introduced with great expectations for improved learning outcomes. However, the great improvements have not materialised; some of these extant studies are examined. Of all the explanations for these disappointing results, the least examined are the affordances of the computer tools. This paper provides a rationale for studying affordances and presents two studies in K-12 and undergraduate settings showing how powerful affordances are in affecting outcomes. Finally, the paper presents guidelines on how to gradually move students from a game affordance of a computer to a learning mode.
AB - Computer technologies for learning environments have been introduced with great expectations for improved learning outcomes. However, the great improvements have not materialised; some of these extant studies are examined. Of all the explanations for these disappointing results, the least examined are the affordances of the computer tools. This paper provides a rationale for studying affordances and presents two studies in K-12 and undergraduate settings showing how powerful affordances are in affecting outcomes. Finally, the paper presents guidelines on how to gradually move students from a game affordance of a computer to a learning mode.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33644968225&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2005.00528.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2005.00528.x
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:33644968225
SN - 0007-1013
VL - 37
SP - 191
EP - 209
JO - British Journal of Educational Technology
JF - British Journal of Educational Technology
IS - 2
ER -