When Activity Systems Fracture: Emergent Tensions Within a Collaborative Activity

• In Event: Learning in the Community

Abstract

This proposal explored how the design of tools and activities influences an emergent activity system of elementary school students in an informal learning environment. In particular, we focus on how a shift in activity and tools actively disrupts the students’ collaborative work by changing from a widely visible tool that can be distributed and shared to an insular tool that is designed for a single user and constrains information sharing. We argue that the design of tools can fracture some activity systems as participants struggle to gain access to information the tool provides in alignment with goals of informal activities. We conclude with design recommendations for tools intended for use in an informal collaborative environment.

Authors

• Amber Simpson, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Signe E. Kastberg, Purdue University

• Caroline "Caro" Cassie-Marie Williams-Pierce, University of Maryland, College Park