How I am addressing the context of different audiences (local, national and/or international) and their perspectives in my inquiry?

For my teacher inquiry I am looking into how current and emerging technologies can play a role in teaching and learning. I will consider international, national and local perspectives and their context when designing and implementing this inquiry.

A national theme that I need to consider for my inquiry is the role of future-focused learning and the place of digital technology within this. I will consider research and emerging national trends within this theme. After reading Supporting future-oriented learning and teaching: A New Zealand perspective, this informed me of the most effective ways to incorporate current and emerging technologies.

We need to remodel our current learning environments to ensure they are best being used for learning. Research states when incorporating technology into learning it is essential to consider our educators technological abilities and ensure they see the possibilities for learning - they need to believe in the value of ICT. The following four strategies have been identified by national research when it comes to integrating technology into education;

• Providing enabling tools and infrastructure
• Providing inspiring ideas and opportunities to connect ideas 
• Enhancing capability
• Supporting innovation

I will incorporate these four strategies into my teacher inquiry through; 

• having access to iPads and appropriate apps (tools), as well as providing teachers with ideas on how to use in the classroom
• the apps will be easy to use so the children will be able to use them independently
• wider support from the school is currently in place regarding professional development and support for the innovation

Similar themes were noted internationally. ‘Trends Shaping Education’ released by OECD in 2018 considers education based global trends in technology. We need to be improving teaching and learning with technology and preparing children for future jobs as there is serious demand for these new skills.


The following insights were identified in international literature in order for technology to have a positive influence on students learning. We need to;

• have specific technologies available
• acknowledge students’ prior knowledge and learning needs
• acknowledge teachers’ professional competence and the context in which teaching and learning develop

In order to value the importance of the above insights we need to rethink our current teaching practices and reassess the teachers role in the classroom. For technology to have a beneficial effect on learning the following must be considered;

• the level of confidence and digital skills of teachers and students using ICT
• the actual use that teachers make of technology
• their ability to integrate it into their teaching to further learning 

Teachers’ attitudes to technology are crucial. We need teachers to value and fully understand the benefits technology brings as this corresponds to its adoption and use. In order to do this professional development needs to target the school culture so that teachers understand how to implement it into their practice. To ensure that we are addressing these international perspectives I will address the teachers attitudes to ensure they are confident and understand the reasoning behind the implementation of digital technologies. I think that the professional development on offer at school currently is allowing for this.

Lastly, local perspectives I must consider in my inquiry are the teachers in the Junior Hub. Their attitudes towards digital learning is mixed regarding their adoption of digital technologies in the classroom. They are not yet eager adopters and are still skeptical about the process. From looking at the national and international evidence, it has become clear that these teachers will need support and professional development to ensure that they are confident with integrating it into their teaching practice.

Furthermore, parents offer another perspective. I think that some parents are skeptical surrounding the use of technology in class, however, with the right infrastructure, tools and appropriate support/education this will ensure they are happy with the changes.

Resources

Supporting future-oriented learning & teaching - a New Zealand perspective

Trends Shaping Education