2.2.1. Technology and Educational Theory

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Whether there exists a separate ICT theory seems to divide scholars. Lim (2002) argues that because technology has become an integrated part of all walks of life in a relatively short period of time and its use is being promoted in the national curricula worldwide (Ham & Cha, 2009; Kozma, 2008; Tondeur et al., 2007a; Voogt & Pelgrum, 2005), technology cannot be separated from several independent variables, such as when, where, how and by whom it is used. In this sense, ICT research always takes the sociocultural perspective into account (Lim, 2002) and such perspective seems to have derived from Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural approach, more specifically the Activity Theory, according to which learning is always constructed through interaction. Technological devices are ubiquitously used (not only) in teaching and learning contexts. Therefore, learning processes with technological tools have become an integral part of teaching and learning contexts as mediation (Lim, 2002) or intervention (Somekh, 2007) tools of knowledge construction, sharing and internalisation. These interactions are the activities themselves (Lim, 2002; Vygotsky, 1978), which are always part of a bigger context other than the material and the learner, and are inseparable from independent variables such as the place and quality of instruction, peers, tutors, etc. This interconnectedness makes it difficult to isolate the theoretical foundations of ICT research from theories of education, and indeed ICT is rarely researched in isolation. That is why many researchers argue that ICT theory should not, therefore, be separated from already existing theories of teaching and learning (Lim, 2002; Sutherland et al., 2004).

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In response to several pieces of criticism that concern the lack of a sound ICT theory in ICT research, McDougall and Jones (2006, p. 359) claim that “the theoretical frameworks used in mainstream education research are appropriate underpinnings for research in the sub-discipline as well”. The authors reason that computer technology also made it easier to conduct research into learning and teaching processes by offering (among others) previously unseen observation, recording and analytic features (McDougall & Jones, 2006) irrespective of which sub-discipline is researched. Thus, the field has gained better quality research possibilities and easier knowledge sharing through technology. With reference to the Activity Theory, it is vital to elaborate on the fact that theoretically grounded ICT research, by definition, takes the entire learning setting into account, and what should always be kept in mind is to focus on the entire context in which the research takes place (McDougall & Jones, 2006). Thus, the educational philosophical underpinnings strengthen the view that theoretically grounded, quality research that can truly inform pedagogical practices requires prolonged investment and well-prepared research tools.
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