Beyond the tablet, an intermediate zone of learning?

Abstract

This research seeks to go deeper into the study of child learning processes associated with the use of new technologies (tablets) in the classroom. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies at the international level, from the past decade, analyze learning through the increase and repetition of the content offered by the mobile device, omitting the experience of apprehending and learning processes that allow the appropriation of the knowledge by the students. So, this research asks: Does the tablet collaborate or break the act of apprehending? Is it possible to think about mediated learning by tablet? To address these questions, we proposed qualitative research with a psychoanalytic theoretical framework in 6 public schools in Ecuador. The results have allowed us to identify the «playing», or gaming without rules, as it was proposed by Winnicott, as one of the central elements in the processes of apprehending or subjectivation of learning. Hence, children overflow the activity programmed by the software creating figures and shapes on the screen, exploring numerical possibilities that allow them to think beyond the activity proposed on the tablet. Also, we have identified that it is the teacher who facilitates the learning processes. The children come to her to show her the results, the children use the teacher’s words and rhythms to solve the tasks requested by the tablet. We conclude that the educational link in the learning processes versus the use of technologies is significant, placing the teacher as a mediator and the tablet as a possible intermediary.