Abstract :
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.
