ERIC Number: EJ844697
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1436-4522
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Understanding Innovation in Education Using Activity Theory
Russell, Donna L.; Schneiderheinze, Art
Educational Technology & Society, v8 n1 p38-53 2005
The purpose of this study was to describe how four teachers in four different cities in Missouri implemented a constructivist-based learning environment (CBLE) that included an innovation cluster that paired an emerging online technology with a unit design framework. The motivating question for the study originated from prior research on teacher reform efforts including the adoption of technology innovations in the classroom, new theories of constructivist-based learning and the principles of professional development for educators implementing reform. Using a multiple case study research method, the researchers collected and analyzed data to (1) identify how effectively each of the teachers implemented the CBLE unit based on their goals for adopting the innovations while participating in online collaborative professional development and (2) identify cross-case issues that arose as the teachers implemented the unit. Conclusions in the study suggest that the teachers implemented innovation into their classrooms with varied levels of effectiveness based on their initial goals for the reform process. Aspects that influenced the effectiveness of their unit and the implementation of the innovation included (1) the teacher's ability to benefit from online collaborative professional development forums, (2) the teacher's problem-solving strategies for resolving conflict issues related to their local school environment, and (3) their prior conceptions about teaching and learning and their compatibility with the reform instructional pedagogy. (Contains 6 figures and 1 table.)
Descriptors: Constructivism (Learning), Educational Innovation, Program Effectiveness, Educational Change, Conflict Resolution, Educational Environment, Professional Development, Case Studies, Teacher Effectiveness, Computer Mediated Communication, Teacher Collaboration, Problem Solving, Computer Uses in Education, Internet, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Units of Study, Elementary School Teachers
International Forum of Educational Technology & Society. Athabasca University, School of Computing & Information Systems, 1 University Drive, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada. Tel: 780-675-6812; Fax: 780-675-6973; Web site: http://www.ifets.info
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Missouri
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A