Computer-supported reflective learning: How apps can foster reflection at work

Bettina Renner, Gudrun Wesiak, Viktoria Pammer-Schindler, Michael Prilla, Lars Müller, Dalia Morosini, Simone Mora, Nils Faltin, Ulrike Cress

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential of ICT to support reflective learning for professionals. We aggregated data collected in 20 field studies with 12 different applications, involving a total of 321 participants. The applications addressed individual reflection as well as collaborative reflection. Such a systematic analysis with different applications used across industry sectors and companies is unique in the current literature on computer-supported reflective learning in the workplace. Primarily, we assessed the reaction to reflection applications and their effectiveness regarding learning, behaviour change, and organisational impact. In addition, we investigated differences with respect to work experience. Results show that users had a positive reaction to the apps and perceived their use to be beneficial for their work by using them. In collaborative reflection an inexperienced employee can benefit from the experiences and perspectives of more experienced (co-)workers. In contrast, individual reflection was more profitable for more experienced workers. Notwithstanding the overall positive results, the actual implementation of reflection applications requires careful adaptation to the specific organisational and situational context, as well as introductory and accompanying measures to assure efficient and beneficial usage of the tools.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBehaviour & Information Technology
Early online date20 Mar 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Mar 2019

Keywords

  • e-learning
  • reflective learning
  • professional technology-enhanced learning
  • workplace learning
  • field studies
  • reflection guidance
  • reflection tools
  • learning environments
  • user psychology
  • user generated learning content
  • Computer applications
  • learning technologies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences(all)
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Fields of Expertise

  • Information, Communication & Computing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Computer-supported reflective learning: How apps can foster reflection at work'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this