Open e-learning platforms and the design–reality gap: an affordance theory perspective
| dc.contributor.author | McCarthy, Stephen | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Rowan, Wendy | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Kahma, Nina | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Lynch, Laura | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Ertiö, Titiana Petra | en |
| dc.contributor.funder | Horizon 2020 | en |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2023-04-21T14:14:29Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2023-04-21T14:14:29Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2021-12-22 | en |
| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: The dropout rates of open e-learning platforms are often cited as high as 97%, with many users discontinuing their use after initial acceptance. This study aims to explore this anomaly through the lens of affordances theory, revealing design–reality gaps between users' diverse goals and the possibilities for action provided by an open IT artefact. Design/methodology/approach: A six-month case study was undertaken to investigate the design implications of user-perceived affordances in an EU sustainability project which developed an open e-learning platform for citizens to improve their household energy efficiency. Thematic analysis was used to reveal the challenges of user continuance behaviour based on how an open IT artefact supports users in achieving individual goals (e.g. reducing energy consumption in the home) and collective goals (lessening the carbon footprint of society). Findings: Based on the findings, the authors inductively reveal seven affordances related to open e-learning platforms: informing, assessment, synthesis, emphasis, clarity, learning pathway and goal-planning. The findings centre on users' perception of these affordances, and the extent to which the open IT artefact catered to the goals and constraints of diverse user groups. Open IT platform development is further discussed from an iterative and collaborative perspective in order to explore different possibilities for action. Originality/value: The study contributes towards research on open IT artefact design by presenting key learnings on how the designers of e-learning platforms can bridge design–reality gaps through exploring affordance personalisation for diverse user groups. This can inform the design of open IT artefacts to help ensure that system features match the expectations and contextual constraints of users through clear action-oriented possibilities. | en |
| dc.description.status | Peer reviewed | en |
| dc.description.version | Published Version | en |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | en |
| dc.identifier.citation | McCarthy, S., Rowan, W., Kahma, N., Lynch, L. and Ertiö, T.P. (2022) ‘Open e-learning platforms and the design–reality gap: an affordance theory perspective’, Information Technology & People, 35(8), pp. 74–98. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-06-2021-0501 | en |
| dc.identifier.doi | 10.1108/itp-06-2021-0501 | en |
| dc.identifier.endpage | 98 | en |
| dc.identifier.issn | 0959-3845 | en |
| dc.identifier.issued | 8 | en |
| dc.identifier.journaltitle | Information Technology & People | en |
| dc.identifier.startpage | 74 | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10468/14398 | |
| dc.identifier.volume | 35 | en |
| dc.language.iso | en | en |
| dc.publisher | Emerald | en |
| dc.relation.ispartof | Information Technology and People | en |
| dc.relation.project | info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020::CSA/784988/EU/Energy Conscious Consumers/ECO2 | en |
| dc.rights | Copyright © 2021, Stephen McCarthy, Wendy Rowan, Nina Kahma, Laura Lynch and Titiana Petra Ertiö. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. | en |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode | en |
| dc.subject | Open e-learning | en |
| dc.subject | Functional affordances | en |
| dc.subject | Sustainable energy use | en |
| dc.subject | Sustainable energy use | en |
| dc.subject | User perceptions | en |
| dc.title | Open e-learning platforms and the design–reality gap: an affordance theory perspective | en |
| dc.type | Article (peer-reviewed) | en |
| dc.type | journal-article | en |
| oaire.citation.issue | 8 | en |
| oaire.citation.volume | 35 | en |
