Innovation Configuration mapping as a professional development tool: the case of one-to-one laptop computing

Abstract

This article illustrates how findings from a study of teachers’ and students’ uses of laptop computers in a secondary school in Singapore informed the development of an Innovation Configuration (IC) Map – a tool for identifying and describing alternative ways of implementing innovations based on teachers’ unique feelings, preoccupations, thoughts and considerations. The authors used a descriptive case study design and qualitative data (interviews, lesson observations and focus group discussions) that identified policy–practice gaps and teacher uncertainty about the practicalities of the laptop programme. They suggest IC Maps are particularly useful in three specific areas of classroom and professional practice: (i) information and policy direction setting, (ii) aspirations relating to an innovation, and (iii) planning activities around areas of personal need and interest. The article concludes with some suggestions about how teachers’ professional development and growth can be facilitated through the mediating and socially coordinating roles of IC Maps.

Keywords:

• Innovation Configuration Maps
• laptops
• English language
• laptop learning

Acknowledgements

This article makes use, in part, of data from two research projects: ‘Enhancing Criticality: A Pilot Project with IDM as Pedagogical Amplifiers in English Classes at Secondary Level’ (LSL 05/07/PT), funded by the Learning Sciences Laboratory, and ‘Multimodal Literacy in English Language and Literature Teaching: The Design, Implementation and Evaluation of a One-to-One Wireless Laptop Programme in a Singapore High School’ (OER 27/08 PT), funded by the Office of Educational Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The views expressed are those of the authors.

Notes

1. All names in this article are pseudonyms.

2. Comic Life^TM is an easy-to-use application for creating and sharing comic strips featuring images, captions and stylised lettering. http://plasq.com/products/comiclife/win.

3. GarageBand^TM is a digital audio workstation application for creating music and podcasts. It includes numerous virtual software instruments and other sound editing/playback features. http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/.

4. We delivered our IC Maps to the head of the English language department at Fox Hill in a post-research study briefing. We mentioned they were ‘work-in-progress’ and designed to stimulate, at the ground level, personal reflections on laptop practices, guide decision-making and assist in planning future professional development and growth activities; for example, through departmental training sessions, workshops and action research studies.