Exploring Motivational Aspects for Technology-
Enhanced Informal Learning in the
Construction Sector
MATEL Workshop 2013, Paphos, Cyprus
Christine Kunzmann, Patrik Rieker, Andreas Schmidt
http://spironto.de 2Sep 2013
Starting point
Learning Layers:
How can we support informal learning in job areas such
as the construction sector where
Work practice is less computerized
The physical environment is a dominating factor and major
constraint
http://spironto.de 3
Study
Exploratory study with 8 interviews in the construction sector in the southwest of Germany from various backgrounds Carpenter systems mechanic electrician (Meister) medical technology electrician (Meister) kitchen specialist self-employed all-rounder specialized on old-houses
refurbishing construction engineer
Semi-structured interviews between 22 and 57 minutes Analyzed using qualitative content analysis
(Mayring)Sep 2013
http://spironto.de 4
Results: Use of technologies
Sep 2013
Majority (6 out of 8) regularly use a smartphone primarily for taking pictures also messaging, emails, calendar (free services)
Internet search rarely used on site Foremen and owners at their desk
Problems and barriers Lack of connectivity Features are not fully used (separate voice
recorder!) Purchasing and training costs No sufficient reliability and anticipated dependency
http://spironto.de 5
Results: Use of forums
Forums were not perceived very positive
Problem: Time Search in forums is time consuming No guarantee to receive a response within a short
time frame
Problem: Quality How to judge the reliability and quality? General mistrust towards the information
Sep 2013
http://spironto.de 6
Competition
Construction sector is characterized by a large number of small and medium-sized companies Cross-company learning is an important
perspective
Importance of competition as a factor has been very mixed From a neglectable aspect (give and take situation) To very prominent (particularly among the
electricians)
General The closer companies are, the more difficult Closeness: same/adjacent trade, geographical focus
Sep 2013
http://learning-layers.eu 7
Hierarchies
Sep 2013 Face to face
Face to face/phone
Mobile phone
Mobile phone/email
http://learning-layers.eu 8
Attitudes towards technology
As expected Young generation very inclined to use technology,
usually owns and uses regularly a smartphone Older generation less familiar
But: More experienced craftsmen judge the usefulness of
technology by observing the younger generation Lack of commitment and willingness to take over
responsibility Ubiquitous and better communication/research
possibilities are outweighed by distractive use of phones
Mobile phones disturbing face-to-face meetings The benefits of using the internet are undisputed and
realized Privacy concerns: issue that hinders adoption
(NSA!)
Sep 2013
http://spironto.de 9
Outlook
Cross-organization co-opetion aspects require deeper analysis
Scaffolding of using informal resources to overcome barriers in larger scale networks Knowledge maturing indicators Opinion vs. Information
The focus must be more on scaffolding the appropriation of technology than on technology features itself
Sep 2013
http://learning-layers.eu 10
Team
Christine KunzmannPontydysgu, [email protected]
Patrik RiekerKarlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Andreas P. SchmidtKarlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, [email protected]
Sep 2013