This paper is about a framework as heuristic to design and develop a workshop for academic teaching staff to use tablets for teaching and learning in the classroom at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Theories of Cultural-Historical Activity and Engeström's activity systems are also incorporated, as are a critique and a critical analysis of the progressive development of a workshop focusing on tablets in the classroom. Currently, mostly first-year student lecturers are involved: 150 participants attended six workshops over six months. The research question incited the following design-based research: how is a workshop developed for lecturers to use tablets for teaching and learning in the classroom? The phases of this include a review of the needs analysis, formative development, evaluation of effectiveness, and documentation, which serve as the outline of this report. Findings and conclusions are presented around interactions, collaboration, use of open spaces, formative assessment, progressive skills development, and a short evaluation.