I recently presented on activity theory and its application as a theory for research in educational technology. The presentation was with the Technology Integration and Evaluation (TIE) Lab at the University of Victoria. We covered the evolution of activity theory from Vygotky, Leont’ev, and Engeström; the five core principles of activity theory including the hierarchical structure of activity, object-orientedness, internalization and externalization, mediation, and development. We also explored how activity theory has been used in education technology research to examine changes to systems of activity through the introduction of new tools or changing cultural practices and how these can produce systemic contradictions.

 

 

Activity theory as a lens for Researching Educational Technology

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