Teachers’ mindsets and the integration of computer technology

The paper addresses how the construct of zone of proximal development was used as an analytical lens to examine teachers’ integration of computer technology for teaching. The research question ‘What are the teachers’ psychological insights that serve to mediate student learning?’ was the focus of the study. Six secondary school science teachers took part in the 5-month study. Data were collected using qualitative methods. Analysis of participants’ natural metaphoric language revealed four themes that framed participants’ psychological insights: mediation as a journey; mediation as adopting roles; mediation asmutual investment; and, mediation as liberating and/or domesticating. Collectively, these psychological insights mediated learning actions within the zone of proximal development.