Date of Award

5-2016

Call Number

LB128.3 .C37 2016

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

Department

Muskie School of Public Service

First Advisor

Catherine Fallona

Keywords

education, teachers, technology, Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory, TPACK

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to describe and understand how teachers describe the changes in their practices as a result of ten years participation in a one-to-one environment. This research study focuses on one successful middle school’s adoption of laptops to support teaching and learning. A qualitative study using interviews of key participants was undertaken with teachers and administrators. The Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework was used in conjunction with Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation framework to understand from the participants’ perspective changes to their practice. The results indicate teachers underwent changes in their use of technology to support teaching and learning, showing increasing overlap between the domains of technological and pedagogical knowledge. The changes resulted in an increase in the transparency of the teaching and learning process for other teachers, students, administrators, and parent. These changes were supported by four school-wide factors; the adoption of a common software suite, robust social networks, modeling by leadership and the professional development model used. The findings were discussed in relation to participants’ position on the adoption spectrum of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory.

Download

Share

COinS