The advantages and disadvantages of using ICT as a mediating artefact in classrooms compared to alternative tools

Source: Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, Volume 13, Issue 6 December 2007, pages 587 – 599

This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using information and communication technology (ICT) as a mediating artefact in the classroom compared to alternative tools with illustrations from a qualitative classroom study. The aim of the article is to describe and show the conditions that have to be satisfied if ICT is to have an advantage over alternative tools in a classroom. The main focus is on the importance of the context of the learning activities, in which the teacher plays an important part. Theories on language and learning are presented and the article concludes with reflections on the teacher's role in the use of ICT in the classroom.