Technology affordances: the ‘real story’ in research with K-12 and undergraduate learners

Computer technologies for learning environments have been introduced with great expectations for improved learning outcomes. However, the great improvements have not materialised; some of these extant studies are examined. Of all the explanations for these disappointing results, the least examined are the affordances of the computer tools. This paper provides a rationale for studying affordances and presents two studies in K-12 and undergraduate settings showing how powerful affordances are in affecting outcomes. Finally, the paper presents guidelines on how to gradually move students from a game affordance of a computer to a learning mode.