Supporting teachers' value-sensitive reflections on the cost–benefit dynamics of technology in educational practices

Abstract

This paper explores the application of a benefits versus costs reflection approach within non-university teaching environments, grounded in the principles of Value-Sensitive Design. Aimed at integrating human values systematically into the adoption of digital educational tools, this study involved 136 in-service school teachers across various workshops in Catalonia. Through the use of a structured customisable worksheet, educators critically self-evaluated their feelings about both the benefits and costs associated with the use of digital technologies in their teaching practices. The study found that the approach was meaningful to the teachers, who were able to adapt the use of the workshop to their cases. The positive reception by teachers suggests not only a satisfactory level of usability and utility of the approach but also their agreement with the need to integrate related strategies in their training, learning design and community debate processes.