ICT integration processes in Turkish schools: Using activity theory to study issues and contradictions

This study used activity theory to examine complex pedagogical, social, and technological issues in ICT integration process at the classroom level. We identified and analysed the contradictions within the activity system and discussed potential effects, which Engestrom called 'expansive learning'. We conducted case studies and collected data through semi-structured interviews, video records and observations. Based on the results we concluded that, along with lack of technology and access, the organisational culture, the changing roles of teachers and students with regard to ICT, inflexible timetable curriculum, support of the school administration, the mediator role of ICT coordinator, and collaboration among the teachers were also imperatives that need to be taken into consideration in ICT integration processes.

[1]  C. Gobbo,et al.  Teachers' beliefs and integration of information and communications technology in Italian schools , 2001 .

[2]  Yasemin Koçak Usluel BİLGİSAYARLARIN BENİMSENME HIZINA İLİŞKİN BOYLAMSAL BİR ÇALIŞMA: ÜÇ OKULUN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI A LONGITUDINAL STUDY RELATED TO THE RATE OF ADOPTION OF COMPUTERS: COMPARISON OF THREE SCHOOLS , 2003 .

[3]  Cláudia Beatriz Monte Jorge Martins,et al.  Factors influencing the adoption of the Internet as a teaching tool at foreign language schools , 2004, Comput. Educ..

[4]  Reijo Miettinen,et al.  Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research , 2006 .

[5]  Y. Engeström,et al.  Expansive Learning at Work: Toward an activity theoretical reconceptualization , 2001 .

[6]  Som Naidu,et al.  The experience of practitioners with technology-enhanced teaching and learning , 2002, J. Educ. Technol. Soc..

[7]  Cher Ping Lim,et al.  An activity theory approach to research of ICT integration in Singapore schools , 2003, Comput. Educ..

[8]  Antonio Rizzo,et al.  Contradictions and critical issues during system evolution , 2002, SAC '02.

[9]  Rozalind G. Muir-Herzig Technology and its impact in the classroom , 2004, Comput. Educ..

[10]  Cher Ping Lim A theoretical framework for the study of ICT in schools: a proposal , 2002, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[11]  Steve Kennewell Using affordances and constraints to evaluate the use of ICT in teaching and learning , 2001 .

[12]  Catherine Suen,et al.  A study of the impact of a district computer technology program on adoption of educational technology , 1999 .

[13]  Jörgen Nissen,et al.  ICT in the Classroom: Is Doing More Important than Knowing? , 2004, Education and Information Technologies.

[14]  K. Kuutti Activity theory as a potential framework for human-computer interaction research , 1995 .

[15]  Chris Cope,et al.  Integrating learning technology into classrooms: the importance of teachers' perceptions , 2002, J. Educ. Technol. Soc..

[16]  John Gardner,et al.  Teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of ICT-competence training , 2004, Comput. Educ..

[17]  Jerry Zhigang Li,et al.  Activity Theory as Tool for Analyzing Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN) , 2004, ICWL.

[18]  Rosamund Sutherland,et al.  Designs for learning: ICT and knowledge in the classroom , 2004, Comput. Educ..