What will Transform Teachers use of ICT

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What will Transform Teachers use of ICT?

• Steve Wheeler
• Faculty of Education
• University of Plymouth

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Transformation

• to change people or things completely,
  especially improving their appearance or
  usefulness
• to convert one form of energy to another

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Transformation

• Generally, teachers do not use ICT at all, or if
  they do, it is often reluctantly, and in a
  fashion that falls short of its full potential.
  This hardly represents a transformation of the
  way we learn.

Source Wheeler, S. (2005) Transforming Primary
ICT, p 1
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Transparency

• Technology The affordance of the technology to
  be user friendly and accessible
• User Perception by the user of how easy the
  technology is to use
• Application Minimum cognitive effort required
  for maximum practical use
• Good design principles used

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Opaque vs. Transparent

• Transparent technology is a joy to use you
  concentrate on what you can do with it, rather
  than what it does
• Opaque technologies cause you to think more
  about how to control and manipulate the tool, and
  less about what you are meant to be achieving
  through using the tool

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Support

• Technical support against hardware failure
• Assistance with software applications
• Technical advice for upgrades and compatibility
  issues
• Specialist advice on best practice and
  applications to good pedagogy
• Regular upgrades and updates

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Relevance

• of the technology to the curriculum
• of the technology to the school culture
• as a tool fit for purpose
• does it replace or supplement other technology?
• does it provide an added value?

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Confidence

• Teachers gain confidence through practice
• Confidence eroded through unreliable technology
• Lack of training may lead to rejection of
  technology
• Fear of unknown
• Professionalism

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Adoption of Innovations
Early Majority
Late Majority
Early Adopters
Laggards
Innovators
2.5 13.5 34
34 16
Source Rogers, E. (1983) Diffusion of Innovations
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Adoption of Technology
Techno-Realist
Techno-Sceptic
Technophile
Techno-Luddite
Techno-Romantic
Source Wheeler, S. (2005) Transforming Primary
ICT, p 10
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Recommendations

• Ensure the technology is relevant
• Find champions early adopters who are opinion
  leaders
• Listen to the views of staff
• Secure adequate funding (sustainability)
• Provide authentic training
• Offer opportunities for relevant use of new
  technologies across the curriculum

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Steve WheelerFaculty of Educationswheeler_at_plymou
th.ac.uk www2.plymouth.ac.uk/distancelearning

• Thank you for listening