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Dissertation
Elementary Teachers' Technology Integration and Innovation
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2012
Abstract
The goal of this research project was to identify and deeply understand the factors that contribute to technology integration and innovation within the designed instruction of elementary teachers. Understanding these factors will inform administrative support, teacher training, and professional development efforts to increase diffusion of innovative teaching. The reform of instructional practice from didactic teacher-directed teaching to facilitating constructivist student-centered learning is supported in the literature as necessary to prepare students for the 21st century. The first phase of this study consisted of the use of an online survey instrument, The Levels of Teaching Innovation Digital-Age Survey (LoTi), made available to elementary teachers in a Northwest Florida school district. The LoTi scale identifies the levels of teaching innovation with the use of technology in the following hierarchy: (0) nonuse, (1) awareness, (2) exploration, (3) infusion, (4a) integration (mechanical), (4b) integration (routine), (5) expansion, and (6) refinement. Survey results identified a subgroup of teachers who self-reported LoTi levels of 4a or higher for the second phase. The qualitative phase utilized both focus group and individual interviews with nine teachers to explain their beliefs, knowledge, and experiences that have enhanced or deterred implementation of innovative instruction. Interviews with members of this criterion-based subgroup described personal and contextual factors that support Rogers' theory of the diffusion of innovation to include the characteristics of relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and trialability. Administrative support for constructivist opportunities for teachers to learn from their peers is suggested as a powerful tool for educational reform.
Details
- Title
- Elementary Teachers' Technology Integration and Innovation
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 127
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries by the author to digitize and/or display this information for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99380090859806600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida