Exploring Motivational Aspects for Technology-

Enhanced Informal Learning in the

Construction Sector

MATEL Workshop 2013, Paphos, Cyprus

Christine Kunzmann, Patrik Rieker, Andreas Schmidt

http://spironto.de 2Sep 2013

Starting point

Learning Layers:

How can we support informal learning in job areas such

as the construction sector where

Work practice is less computerized

The physical environment is a dominating factor and major

constraint

http://spironto.de 3

Study

Exploratory study with 8 interviews in the construction sector in the southwest of Germany from various backgrounds Carpenter systems mechanic electrician (Meister) medical technology electrician (Meister) kitchen specialist self-employed all-rounder specialized on old-houses

refurbishing construction engineer

Semi-structured interviews between 22 and 57 minutes Analyzed using qualitative content analysis

(Mayring)Sep 2013

http://spironto.de 4

Results: Use of technologies

Sep 2013

Majority (6 out of 8) regularly use a smartphone primarily for taking pictures also messaging, emails, calendar (free services)

Internet search rarely used on site Foremen and owners at their desk

Problems and barriers Lack of connectivity Features are not fully used (separate voice

recorder!) Purchasing and training costs No sufficient reliability and anticipated dependency

http://spironto.de 5

Results: Use of forums

Forums were not perceived very positive

Problem: Time Search in forums is time consuming No guarantee to receive a response within a short

time frame

Problem: Quality How to judge the reliability and quality? General mistrust towards the information

Sep 2013

http://spironto.de 6

Competition

Construction sector is characterized by a large number of small and medium-sized companies Cross-company learning is an important

perspective

Importance of competition as a factor has been very mixed From a neglectable aspect (give and take situation) To very prominent (particularly among the

electricians)

General The closer companies are, the more difficult Closeness: same/adjacent trade, geographical focus

Sep 2013

http://learning-layers.eu 7

Hierarchies

Sep 2013 Face to face

Face to face/phone

Mobile phone

Mobile phone/email

http://learning-layers.eu 8

Attitudes towards technology

As expected Young generation very inclined to use technology,

usually owns and uses regularly a smartphone Older generation less familiar

But: More experienced craftsmen judge the usefulness of

technology by observing the younger generation Lack of commitment and willingness to take over

responsibility Ubiquitous and better communication/research

possibilities are outweighed by distractive use of phones

Mobile phones disturbing face-to-face meetings The benefits of using the internet are undisputed and

realized Privacy concerns: issue that hinders adoption

(NSA!)

Sep 2013

http://spironto.de 9

Outlook

Cross-organization co-opetion aspects require deeper analysis

Scaffolding of using informal resources to overcome barriers in larger scale networks Knowledge maturing indicators Opinion vs. Information

The focus must be more on scaffolding the appropriation of technology than on technology features itself

Sep 2013

http://learning-layers.eu 10

Team

Christine KunzmannPontydysgu, UKkontakt@christine-kunzmann.de 

Patrik RiekerKarlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Andreas P. SchmidtKarlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germanyandreas_peter.schmidt@hs-karlsruhe.de 

Sep 2013