Teaching beliefs and practice,institutional context,and the uptake of Web-based technology |
| |
| Authors: | Belinda Lawrence Samantha Lentle-Keenan |
| |
| Institution: | School of Social Sciences , Open Polytechnic of New Zealand , Lower Hutt , New Zealand |
| |
| Abstract: | This research examines the relationship between teaching beliefs and practice, institutional constraints, and the uptake of Web-based technology for teaching in higher education. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six teachers at a New Zealand tertiary institution. Using inductive analysis and cultural historical activity theory, themes in technology use were identified, as well as areas of tension and conflict in the teaching system. Four overarching influences were identified as mediating teachers’ use of Web-based technology in teaching: teaching beliefs, experience and practice; perceptions of technology; technology as a teaching and learning tool; and institutional priorities and division of labor. Teaching practices were affected to varying degrees by institutional strategic priorities, workload constraints, and the learning management system provided. |
| |
| Keywords: | activity theory teaching online technology Web-based learning pedagogy teaching beliefs |
|
|
