An Activity Theory Approach to Analyze Barriers to a Virtual Management Information Systems (MIS) Curriculum
Suhair Jaradat
University of Jordan, Amman
Ahmad Qablan
Areej Barham
Hashemite University, Zarqa
Abstract
This paper explains how the activity theory is used as a framework to analyze the barriers to a virtual Management Information Stream (MIS) Curriculum in Jordanian schools, from both the sociocultural and pedagogical perspectives. Taking the activity system as a unit of analysis, this study documents the processes by which activities shape and are shaped by their different levels of context. Through qualitative data collection methodologies, the study explored the various contextual and personal imbalances that appeared while implementing the MIS at schools. At the end of the study, several suggestions and recommendation are offered to enhance the curriculum and its implementation at schools.
About the Author(s)...
Suhair Jaradat is an Assistant Professor of Educational Technology in the Department of Curricula and Instruction at the University of Jordan. She earned her PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, USA in 2004. She has published several research papers on integrating technology in the classroom, online teaching, and cognition and technology. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ahmad Qablan is Assistant Professor of Science Education in the Department of Curricula and Instruction at the Hashemite University, Jordan. He earned his PhD in Science Education from Florida State University, USA, in 2005. He has over 25 publications on teachers’ preparation, ICT and science education, education for sustainability and environmental education.
Areej Barham is Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Curricula and Instruction at the Hashemite University, Jordan. She earned her PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Huddersfield, UK, in 2002. She has several publications on preparing Mathematics teachers and ICT.
