Thursday 25 July 2013

Arena of Change relating to my research context.

Implementing Voice Thread into a writing programme
I have created a mind map to show the ecosystem and the links to my research context. The yellow box is the research context: Implementing Voice Thread into writing. The blue box is bureaucratic relationships or pressures. The green boxes are the professional relationships or influences. The orange boxes are the commercial relationships. The blue boxes are the political pressures or influences.


From Nicki Davis' Arena of Change, I have identified relationships between my research context and the current pressures, influences from the wider ecosystem. The commercial area benefits from the implementation of Web 2.0 tools in education. The sales of equipment for the school generates income for the IT companies, as well as the servicing of those items. The data required to use the software generates income for the telecommunications companies, along with the implementation of fibre-optic technologies to upgrade services.
The professional aspect of the arena is influenced by research which is demonstrating the value of implementing Web 2.0 tools in writing. Another other influence coming from the professional aspect is the Teachers Council Registered Teacher Criteria. As teachers, we abide by those professional guidelines and standards. It is our duty to keep up to date with current best practice, to do our best to engage the students, and to increase their knowledge and skills. More IT-proficient inclined teachers have shared their experiences, ideas and provided support to their colleagues through the blog medium.
Another aspect which has some influence on our teaching is politics. T he current government have instigated National Standards, and are publishing the results of student achievement publicly.
The bureaucratic relationship with the context I've chosen is possibly the largest influence. The school sets out it's vision, it's policies, it's targets, and it's programmes of work based on the curriculum, the needs of the students and the community's input. The teacher aims to achieve those goals, and follow the procedures set out. On a national level, the Ministry of Education relates to the teacher by it's curriculum, not only the achievement levels but also the values and opinions underpinning the new curriculum. The ministry offers action plans to increase the use and effectiveness of e-learning. The ministry offers initiatives, like the professional development programmes offered to schools in the area of e-learning.
As Davis (2008) points out while teachers are leaders of educational renewal, the interactions and agendas on a local, national and international scale all have an impact on the teacher, and the process of educational renewal.


Davis, N. (2008). How may teacher learning be promoted for educational renewal with IT? In J.Voogt and G. Knezek (Eds.), International Handbook of Information Technology in Primary and Secondary Education, (pp. 507-520). New York: Springer

4 comments:

  1. Hi Donna-Marie,

    It's fascinating to see how the different nodes in the ecosystem relate and interact with the implementation of Voice Thread within your classroom. Well done. Hopefully this exercise has contributed to a deeper understanding of your research topic.

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    1. Hi Wayne,
      Thanks for your encouragement.

      Donna-Marie

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  2. Hi Donna-Marie Voice Thread is a fantastic tool which offers teachers real opportunities for learning when it is used. I remember investigating it when I did the 627 paper and was impressed. I like the mindmap design you have chosen - simple, colourful and effective to demonstrate your concept - great job!! Good luck with your research. Sandra

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  3. Hi Sandra,
    Yes, the children loved it. It was a great way to allow the students to demonstrate their knowledge.
    Thanks for your encouragement, and good luck with your research as well.
    Donna-Marie

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