Journal article
E-textbook as object and mediator: interactions between instructor and student activity systems
Journal of Computing in Higher Education, Vol.30(2), pp.298-325
08/2018
DOI: 10.1007/s12528-018-9174-4
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the activity systems of students and instructors who used an interactive e-textbook in their instructional activities. Data included instructor interviews and student journals about e-textbook use in eight university courses. Exploration of the data through a cultural-historical activity theory lens indicated that e-textbook use can be limited when students act on it merely as an object without any intentional goal. Without requirements by the instructor, the embedded tools in the e-textbook may do little to support the student activity in the system. In addition, many instructors, as well, approached the e-textbook as an object, and a number of them did not include the e-textbook in their own activity systems. Considering the e-textbook as a mediating tool to address other goals (such as completing an assignment) or to support instructional decisions by faculty through developed awareness of students’ understandings, positioned the e-textbook as a mediator of learning, rather than an object on which to act. We end our discussion pointing to the need for an expansive transformation regarding the use of e-textbooks so they may be positioned as new kinds of mediating tools for learning.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- E-textbook as object and mediator: interactions between instructor and student activity systems
- Creators
- Kathy Schuh - 0000 0004 1936 8294 grid.214572.7 Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, N304 Lindquist Center University of Iowa Iowa City IA 52242 USASam Van Horne - 0000 0004 1936 8294 grid.214572.7 The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology University of Iowa Iowa City IA USAJae-eun Russell - 0000 0004 1936 8294 grid.214572.7 The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology University of Iowa Iowa City IA USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of Computing in Higher Education, Vol.30(2), pp.298-325
- Publisher
- Springer US; New York
- DOI
- 10.1007/s12528-018-9174-4
- ISSN
- 1042-1726
- eISSN
- 1867-1233
- Grant note
- Consortium of College and University Media Centers
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/2018
- Academic Unit
- International Programs; Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; Teaching, Learning and Technology
- Record Identifier
- 9983984534002771
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