Into the looking glass of interpretations. A methodological evaluation of technological frames

Abstract

In 1994 Orlikowski and Gash articulated and enhanced the notion of Interpretations of Technology by introducing the theoretical lens of Technological Frames of Reference as a systematic way for examining and understanding technological developments in organizations. In 2004, Davidson and Pai expressed concern that while Technological Frames were widely cited in academic discourse, the incidence and adoption of the model as an analytical framework for socio-cognitive analysis and interpretation of Information Technology in Organisations was comparatively less. Consequently they made reference to various methodological examples that could be adopted for the application of Technological Frames of Reference whenever implementation or design of technology was concerned. As Technology Frame Research (TFR) becomes more meaningfully applicable with our ever increasing attachment towards technology, a qualitative methodological framework is presented and put into practice. While the purpose underlying this paper is the provision of a working analytical model in TFR, proof of its value lies in the results obtained when the methodology was implemented to evaluate technological frames with respect to Internet based systems embraced within a group of Physics teachers.