Activity Theory as a lens to understand how Facebook develops knowledge application skills
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Education and Development using ICT
Abstract
Uganda’s higher education system has generally been criticized for concentrating on theory leading
to a mismatch between training received and practical skills required by employers. Studies have
documented the inability of graduates from some programmes at Makerere University in applying
knowledge in the work environment. This could partly be attributed the use of traditional teaching
methods, which do not adequately develop higher order cognitive skills and knowledge application
in real life situations. Therefore, the study explored how technological approaches can be adopted
to produce better graduates with ability to apply knowledge in real life situations. The study aimed
to explore 1) how Facebook affords students to transfer knowledge acquired in the lecture room to
the workroom and 2) the usefulness of Activity Theory (AT) as a lens to analyze how students
interact with Facebook to develop knowledge application skills. Current methods of knowledge
application were reviewed to identify gaps, strengths and effectiveness of Facebook learning
activities guided by AT which is a useful social learning theory for studying transfer and knowledge
application in new contexts among activity systems. Second year Bachelor of Information
Technology students interacted with Facebook as a mediating tool to post videos installing an
operating system on the page and interact with peers and their lecturer. Analysis of students’
interaction with Facebook activities, practices and implications, and the potential of AT for research,
development and dissemination is presented. Findings show the usefulness of AT in clarifying how
interactions in Facebook and contradictions occur. Finally, limitations of using AT in understanding
how Facebook develops knowledge application skills and recommendations for future research are
highlighted.
Description
Keywords
Activity Theory, Facebook, knowledge
Citation
Bagarukayo, E., Ssentamu, P., Mayisela, T., & Brown, C. (2016). Activity Theory as a lens to understand how Facebook develops knowledge application skills. International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, 12(3).