The dark sides of technology - Barriers to work-integrated learning

Abstract

Digitalization and technology are interventions seen as a solution to the increasing demand for healthcare services, but the associated changes of the services are characterized by multiple challenges. A work-integrated learning approach implies that the learning outcome is related to the learning environment and the learning affordances available at the actual workplace. To shape workplace affordances it is of great importance to get a deeper understanding of the social practices. This paper will explore a wide range of managers’ and professionals’ emotions, moods and feelings related to digitalization and new ways of providing healthcare services, as well as the professionals’ knowledge and experiences. Zhang’s affective response model (ARM) will be used as a systematic approach and framework to gain knowledge of how professionals and managers experience and experience digitization of municipal health services. The research question is: How can knowledge about dark sides of technology reduce barriers to work-integrated learning? This paper is based on a longitudinal study with a qualitative approach. Focus group discussions were used as method for collecting data. The findings and themes crystallized through the content analysis were then applied to the Affective Response Model as a systematic approach to gain more knowledge about professionals and managers’ experiences and how that knowledge can reduce the barriers to work-integrated learning. Understanding of, and consciousness about the dark sides of technology and the professionals’ affective responses may support the digitalization of the sector and the development of the new ways of providing healthcare services.