TLC Lab member Rasel Babu, a doctoral candidate, participated in a Round Table Conversation session at the 87th CPA Annual National Convention 2026, held from June 4 to 6, 2026, at Le Westin Montréal. He discussed his paper, “Contradictions in Technology Integration in Classrooms: An Activity Theory Perspective,” which draws on a comprehensive literature review conducted as part of his PhD research project. The discussion highlighted key tensions and challenges surrounding technology integration in educational settings through the lens of activity theory. 

 Abstract 

Technology integration (TI) in classrooms is a complex task. Several TI models have been proposed to identify the teacher and school factors impacting the likelihood of successful TI. Using activity theory, the 5 mostly used models in TI research were reviewed to identify common 'contradictions' (i.e., barriers) that arise from both within teachers and from schools that affect TI. This session critically discusses them to highlight how successful TI is more than just increased professional development and technology access. Specifically, it will show how an activity theory contradiction analysis treats TI as arising from a system (e.g., school and its community) to generate a holistic understanding of barriers to TI. This will help attendees obtain practical understanding of key barriers to TI and build the awareness required to successful TI. The session will benefit a range of participants (e.g., educators, researchers, psychologists, EdTech app developers) by orienting them to a new approach to TI based on the idea of contradictions. Participants will be engaged in the conversation by using handout with key ideas, provocative prompts, brainstorming, critical reflection on their own experience with technology use, and identify key takeaways. TI is affected by more than just knowledge and access and a fuller study is needed for effective TI across Canadian and global context.