Psychological developments in high technology teaching and learning environments

The authors discuss some of the psychological effects associated with the increasing capabilities of new technology with a particular emphasis on issues involved with multi-media teaching systems and the development of the self on emotional, intellectual and social levels. It includes a review of technology attitudes and individual differences in relation to the voluntary use of technology and contrasts that with the psychological measures associated with the rejection of technology. Consideration is given to which psychological measures are typically cited by the literature as being associated with emotional, intellectual and social "success" and compares them with those measures that appear to predict successful technology adoption. These different measures and outcomes are compared to see if they are compatible. The authors then summarise the likely effects of the latest trends in technology on the mental world in which a developing self operates. The paper concludes with a discussion of other issues and factors that determine effective design solutions within the paradigm of increasing design spaces and diverse user populations.