Stages of Adoption
The Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow study (ACOT), defines 5 stages of adoption: Entry - Adoption - Adaptation - Appropriation - Invention. In the first 3 stages, traditional teaching models are used. In the last 2 stages, we typically see new models of learning being adopted by teachers using technology.
Too often we find teachers that get stuck in the entry or adoption stages. Why is this? It relates to the fact that they get hung up on the technology - bogged down in technical knowledge and never really getting to the learning. They therefore attach technology to their lessons like an ornament on a tree. It’s really not necessary, but it looks nice. They never really move toward new instructional uses.
To counter this, professional development needs to be focused on the learning and the teaching, with little emphasis on the technology. This could well be a reason why technology use is so patchy in our schools. Another issue may be access, but focusing on the learning will make a big difference.
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