Sustainable practices for using digital technology in informal workplace learning
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21458802 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anne Karhapää (0000-0001-6967-2444, University of Jyväskylä, corresponding author), Raija Hämäläinen (0000-0002-3248-9619, University of Jyväskylä), Johanna Pöysä‐tarhonen (0000-0001-6614-0098, University of Jyväskylä), Anu E Sivunen (0000-0001-7068-2260, University of Jyväskylä) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 53-70 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Studies in Continuing Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0158-037X • E-ISSN: 1470-126X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/0158037x.2025.2511225 |
| OpenAlex | W4410741790 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 30 |
The negative effects of digital technology and the continuously growing learning demands related to work can pose burdens on the workforce. In this article, we explore how these challenges are related to informal workplace learning. We build on the concept of sustainable learning, aiming to outline what sustainability means in the context of using digital technology in informal workplace learning. We used digital ethnography to study the use of digital technology in authentic knowledge work settings. Our ethnographic accounts describe how digital technology was used for informal workplace learning in the case organisation and give insights into its role in learning. The novelty of this study is that in addition to identifying the challenges related to using digital technology in informal learning, we focused on investigating strategies for managing and reducing these negative aspects. Digital technology introduced strains and increased learning demands, but the workplace developed practices to manage them. We propose that the sustainable use of digital technology in informal workplace learning balances the burdens and benefits of digital technology, ensuring quality of learning and staff wellbeing. This requires developed digital work practices and skills from employees, as well as managers
Business · Educational technology · Informal learning · Knowledge management · Pedagogy · Sociology · Technology integration · Workplace learning · Computer Science · Engineering · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Psychology · Technostress in Professional Settings
Conceptual Change in the Face of Digitalization
The digital workplace and its dark side
Challenges to learning and leading the digital workplace
Sustainability of learning at work
Digital work practices that promote informal workplace learning
Understanding and measuring skill gaps in Industry 4.0 — A review
A systematic review of information technology in workplace learning
Mediating worklife learning and the digitalisation of work
Staying in the loop
Doing Ethnography
Ethnography
Friendly skies and unfriendly workplace communication
Throwaway knowledge, useful skills or a source for wellbeing? Outlining sustainability of workplace learning situations
Three pillars of sustainability
Ethnography for the Internet
Sustainable learning and education
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |