E-LEARNING

Teachers' Perceptions and Experiences in Adopting “E-learning Blackboard”



Abstract

Technology has become an integral part of our society today and as pressure is exerted upon educational systems to implement new technologies, teachers' abilities to respond to change and innovation become key factors for success. If organisations are to function effectively, it is important the people who work in them are able to adapt to change and deal with the uncertainties of transition periods. The management of change, the human aspects as well as the technical considerations can, therefore, be seen as an important area for both organisation study and practice. By understanding the process of adaptation and adoption, school administrators and others will be better able to assist staff to deal with the change affecting them.

The aim of this research is to investigate E-learning black board system virtual learning related to e-learning and virtual learning syatem and adopting a new technology known as the “Blackboard” Learning System.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION5

Introduction5

Purpose of Study5

Background to the Study6

Educational Reform8

Teachers' Learning Environments9

Innovation Adoption in Schools11

Statement of the Problem12

Significance of the Study13

Research Questions14

CHAPTER 2: A REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE15

Change and Teachers Coping with Technological Change15

Teachers' Resistance to Technological Change19

The Impact of Technology on Teaching21

The Impact of Technology on Learning23

Teachers and Technology Integration in Classrooms25

Summary26

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES29

Characteristics of Qualitative Research Study29

Rationale for the Case Study Methodology31

The Research Setting and Participants32

The School32

Data Sources and Collection Procedures33

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS OF DATA ANALYSIS35

Interviews, Observations and School Documents35

Change36

Teachers' Workload/Time Management40

Student Management42

Enhancing Student Learning44

Skill Development45

Summary46

CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS49

Summary of Findings49

Findings Related to Research Questions50

Limitation of Study58

Conclusion58

Recommendations to Improve Practice and for Further Research61

Recommendations for Schools61

Recommendations for Classroom Teachers63

REFERENCES65

APPENDIX89

Chapter 1: Introduction

Introduction

To understand the process by which teachers come to integrate new technology into their teaching practices, the researcher undertook a yearlong investigation into new technology integration in the curriculum of a Manchester Business School. The purpose of this research study was to investigate teachers' perceptions and experiences in adopting a new technology known as the “Blackboard” Learning System (Release 6) as a case study in a Manchester Business School in Manchester.

The introduction of this new program in 2004 was significant, not only for the teachers, but also for their students. The new computer program has meant major changes to how subjects are taught and how students are assessed. The impact of a mandated change process on the teachers within the school, especially the introduction and integration of the new technology on the direct users of that technology, was also investigated.

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to look at the impact of the integration of the “Blackboard” computer program on a group of teachers in one school. To further understanding, this study investigated teachers' perceptions of the new learning technology. The study focused specifically on the teachers directly affected by the change and the factors that affected their integration, or otherwise, of the new program. The study explored the direct users' perceptions and experiences of the program by interviewing them on three separate occasions prior to, during, ...