Assignment 1

Affordances and constraints of email as an ICT tool for learning.

The term affordance refers to the relationship between an objects physical properties
(artifacts) and the characteristics of an agent (user) that enables particular interactions
between agent and object. James Gibson in 1977.

Constraints can be referred to as the restrictions on the features of the different element in
teaching and learning environment. Constraints can be further explained by children being
incapable of technological tools through which emails can be accessed; however, teachers
must spend time educating students ensuring that they are digitally competent before emails
can be used effectively as a tool for teaching and learning.

Affordances and Constraints may cause conflict when approaching the use of ICT tool in the
learning environment. Constructivist theorists believe that in order for learning to take place,
the learner must be actively involved in his/her learning. Constructivist theories support the
use of ICT as an educational tool it provides student cantered approach to learning and
promotes active learning. The use of ICT tools encourages social interactions and
collaborative learning, therefore children can work together to solve problems.

In the ICT teaching and learning there are three types of theories that support the use of ICT.
These include activity oriented learning theories, social interaction theories and reflection
theory.

Activity oriented learning theory is a generalized term for learning theories that are based on
the general activity approach (paradigm, outlook, framework) initially introduced by
Russian/Soviet psychologists L. Vygotsky. Activity oriented learning theory focuses on
learning systems instead of human behavior. People tend to change when they actively
engaged in a productive activity this also contributes the environment one is in.

Social interaction theory allows learners to interact with others; this however enhances their
social skills. Reflection theory allows learners to reflect on what were previous experiments
given; this allows critiquing on such experiences.

In the field of being an educator the use of the internet is very useful in planning activities,
workshops and fun day for pre-scholars. The use of internet connection is efficient method as
information can be convey in a timely manner. The used of internet is a clear indication that
affordance can be used to access the information that is needed. It is true that teachers can
attain information from affordances by the usage of the internet. However, this can be a
constraint as teacher may not be computer literate or do not have a clear indication on how to
use the computer. As an educator I will be proactive and self-regulated and being aware that
educators are not computer literate is constraints. However, as a concerned educator I will
suggest other educator gets proper training to overcome this constraint. This however, can
strengthen ones skills a
References:

Gibson, J.J. (1979). The Theory of Affordances.

In R.Shaw & J.Bransford (eds), Perceving, Acting and Knowing, Hillsadle, NJ: Erlbaum

Springer Link
The representative of the first generation of the activity-oriented learning theorists (D.
Elkonin, V. Davydow, P. Galperin, J. Lompscher, N. Talyzina, et al.

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-1428-6_310