Technologies for learning? An actor-network theory critique of 'affordances' in research on mobile learning

Abstract

How is the link between learner and technology made in mobile learning? What is the value of the concept of 'affordances'? And how does research articulating this concept act to position mobile devices as 'technologies for learning'? This literature review used both unstructured and structured search samples of published research on mobile learning to critically evaluate the prevalence and influence of the concept of the affordances of mobile technologies. Actor-network theory is drawn on as a theoretical lens through which to critically consider how this concept is articulated, and in particular to explore the way it positions and controls mobile devices as technologies for learning. Parallels in contemporary accounts of mobile learning are drawn with classifications of previous discourses around the introduction of computers into schools. An alternative agenda for mobile learning research is suggested with a focus on authentic and informal contexts rather than controlled experiments. © 2011 Association for Learning Technology.