An Investigation Into the Meaning of Material Artifacts in Social Interactions: A Case Example From a Healthcare Simulation Exercise

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: (Re)Mediation in Social Interaction (Table 9)

Abstract

Previous research on Simulator Based Education (SBE), has indicated lack of theory guided research. We apply a sociocultural lens on tool-mediation, which widens our understanding of how humans learn, develop and transform their local environment through tool-mediated activities (Vygotsky 1986). The data consist of 48 hours of video recorded interactions of nursing students (N=40) and their instructors (N=10), in three advanced simulator suits. By analyzing expansive and restrictive use of digital and hands-on artifacts and tools our study provides new research knowledge on the meaning of material artifacts in social interactions in the context of medical education/training. Our work informs the future educational design of simulation exercises, for the advancement of students’ 21st century skills and continuous learning opportunities.

Authors

• Astrid Camilla Wiig, University of South-Eastern Norway

• Anu Kajamaa, University of Oulu

• Gerry Gormley, Queen's University - Belfast