The insider Change Laboratory in practice

Abstract

This paper describes a Change Laboratory that took place in a laptop-mediated English language course at a large tertiary institution in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier research had suggested that despite much heralded technology interventions students were in fact failing in increasing numbers. The Change Laboratory aimed to make a collective improvement in face-to-face laptop-mediated classrooms. This paper focusses on the solutions proposed during the intervention, and further contradictions identified as the participants attempt to apply these solutions. A future model of activity is also proposed. The paper contributes to insider research, Activity Theory and technology enhanced learning. Suggestions for future interventions are also made.