Obstacles to the use of ICTs in training and consequences for the development of e-learning and m-learning

Abstract

Being able to access educational or training resources or programmes anytime and anywhere is one of the challenges that e-learning and now m-learning seek to address, with the aim of maintaining the highest possible level of professional skills. Although hardware and software solutions are now firmly established, instructional design issues are still far from resolved. In this respect, the concept of instrumental conflict, which was inspired by activity theory and by the instrumental genesis concept, explains the obstacles to learning in situations where technical systems are involved. When they are combined, disciplinary objects such as certain educational or training content, pedagogical objects like certain scenarios and formalisms for representation, and technical objects such as software and distance education platforms can often interfere with each other, whereas each of them ‘works’ properly in isolation. These are precisely the types of problems that instrumental conflict can highlight, providing a partial explanation as to why information and communication technologies are not used and why the effectiveness of dedicated educational and training information systems remains relative.

Keywords:

• use
• e-learning
• m-learning
• activity theory
• instrumental genesis
• instrumental conflict

Notes

1. An English translation of his seminal work can be found at http://ergoserv.psy.univ-paris8.fr/Site/default.asp?Act_group=1.