Exploring internet research process and construction tasks as a technological skill development tool

Abstract

Continuous digital skill development is important in today’s workforce due to ever evolving technologies and workforce expectations. This study aims to help develop technological skills through a combination of research process frameworks and a constructionist creation tasks. This framework is designed to remove barriers often seen as inhibiting computer usage. This two-phase study utilizes a mixed-methods methodology through the use of a pre-task survey, live construction task, and a post-task questionnaire. Participants were asked to create a brochure in Microsoft Word for a tourist attraction with the assistance of the Internet. After the brochure was complete, participants were given an opportunity to reflect on the learning experience. Participants that spent more time creating were found to be more likely to report technological skill development. Changes to the task design were recommended for future studies.