Teachers' Perspectives on Using Technology to Facilitate Pupil Participation

Abstract

In the current digital era, technology plays a crucial role in facilitating diverse interactions that are essential for pupil engagement in the learning process. This article delves into the perspectives of secondary school teachers regarding the active participation of pupils in school activities through the utilization of digital technologies. The concept of participation is approached from two dimensions: passive presence and active involvement, with a specific focus on the latter, emphasizing active engagement. The study centers on the application of digital resources in Swedish grades 7–9 to promote pupil participation and enhance the learning experience. We examine the use, effectiveness, and areas requiring improvement of existing digital resources. Drawing from prior workshops involving teachers, we aim to elucidate educators’ viewpoints on the role of technology in enhancing pupil participation. Grounded in the Garrison and Andersson’s theoretical framework, the study advances the comprehension of the interactions necessary to foster an effective learning environment, as perceived by educators. The results derived from the thematic analysis yield four themes: 1) Interaction between teacher and pupil, 2) Interaction between pupil and content, 3) Interaction between pupil and pupil and 4) Extended interaction. The study concludes by outlining a set of guidelines in how digital resources can support pupil participation as the response to identified challenges.