Developing an E-Learning Research Culture in a Polytechnic Teaching Institution

Developing an E-Learning Research Culture in a Polytechnic Teaching Institution

Authors

Mark BullenMaggie BeersKaren BelferJan SoerValia SpiliotopoulosBritish Columbia Institute of Technology -

Learning & Teaching Centre

TEK Initiative

• Technology Enabled Knowledge (TEK) goals– To increase collaboration and

connectivity– To develop “smart” learning spaces– To implement best teaching practices– To advance the applied research agenda

of the Institute

E-Learning Research Agenda

• Background– Learning & Teaching Centre– Research Committee– November 2005

• Theme: “diffusion of innovation” • Rogers (2003); Fullan (1991); McLaughlin, Rosen,

Skinner & Webster, A. (1999)• Organizational, institutional and individual issues• How have TEK educational innovations diffused

across the institution?• Action Research

Issues

• Strong senior level support• Applied research is an institutional priority• Learning & Teaching Centre well positioned

……but

Issues

• Teaching faculty lack research background, skills, interest

• Collective agreements• Workload• Faculty motivation• Institutional funding model• Research funding from granting agencies

References

• Fullan, M.G. (1991). The New Meaning of Educational Change. New York: Teachers College Press.

• McLaughlin, J., Rosen, P. Skinner, D. & Webster, A. (1999). Valuing Technology: Organisations, Culture and Change. London: Routledge.

• Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th Edition). New York: Free Press

For Further Information

• Mark Bullen– [email protected]– http://homepage.mac.com/markbullen/bcit

• BCIT– http://www.bcit.ca/ltc– http://www.bcit.ca/tek