Towards a more detailed understanding of professional learning mediated by educational tools

Authors

Madeleine Shanahan, University of WollongongFollow
Lori Lockyer, Macquarie UniversityFollow
Shane P. Dawson, University of South AustraliaFollow

RIS ID

99058

Publication Details

Shanahan, M., Lockyer, L. & Dawson, S. (2014). Towards a more detailed understanding of professional learning mediated by educational tools. In J. Herrington, J. Viteli & M. Leikomaa (Eds.), EdMedia World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2014 (pp. 1441-1450). Chesapeake, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.

Abstract

Knowledge updating is an essential learning activity for professionals. This study adopted Vygotsky's (1981) triadic model of learning mediated by tools as a theoretical framework to examine inter-relationships that may exist between subject, educational tool and object. This mixed methods study investigated knowledge updating practices of Australian health professionals. The findings demonstrate there are multiple often conflicting relationships that influence adoption, access and uptake of educational tools among professionals. By examining the inter-relationships, this study has provided a more nuanced understanding of factors that impact upon professional knowledge.