Teachers' knowing how to use technology: exploring a conceptual framework for purposeful learning activity

This article describes a project to apply and validate a conceptualframework of clusters of purposeful learning activity involving ICTtools. The framework, which is based in a socio-cultural perspective, isdescribed as ‘DECK’, and comprises the following major categories ofthe use of digital technologies to support learning: distributed thinkingand knowing; engagement; community and communication; andknowledge building. Small-scale research to test the framework wascarried out with 12 teachers in English primary and secondary schools.The methods involved mind mapping, ‘think aloud’ procedures andinterviews. The framework was modified in the light of teachers’responses and offers a way of describing and thinking about the diverseuses of digital technologies to support learning in various contexts.