Short answer

Designers of educational technology and training programs must consider the practical challenges instructors face in implementing new tools and ensure that technology adoption is supported by adequate resources and pedagogical guidance.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: ScholarWorks (Walden University) (2019)
Method: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
Sample: 12 participants (6 students, 6 instructors)
Evidence: Moderate effect

While instructors may feel comfortable with technology, inconsistent or limited exposure to it in educational settings can hinder effective integration and student learning. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in ScholarWorks (Walden University). Using Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. with 12 participants (6 students, 6 instructors), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers of educational technology and training programs must consider the practical challenges instructors face in implementing new tools and ensure that technology adoption is supported by adequate resources and pedagogical guidance.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Technology integration in education: Bridging the gap between instructor comfort and student expectation

While instructors may feel comfortable with technology, inconsistent or limited exposure to it in educational settings can hinder effective integration and student learning.

ScholarWorks (Walden University) · 2019

Key Findings

01Instructors generally felt at ease with technology but faced limitations in integrating it through specific platforms like Blackboard Learn.
02There was a variation in technology exposure among students, depending on the instructor's approach.
03Barriers to technology integration included limited access and support.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing educational platforms or training modules, conduct thorough user research with both instructors and students to identify specific integration challenges and tailor solutions accordingly.

Project actions

01When researching technology in education, consider interviewing both the users (students) and the implementers (teachers).
02Focus on the 'how' and 'why' of technology use, not just its presence.

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the perceptions of community college instructors and students regarding the integration of technology in literacy courses, and what are the barriers to its effective use?

MethodQualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

ProcedureConducted semi-structured interviews with 6 students and 6 instructors to gather data on their attitudes and experiences with technology in the classroom. Analyzed, transcribed, and coded the interview data to identify major themes.

Sample12 participants (6 students, 6 instructors)

ContextCommunity college literacy courses.

Variables

IVInstructor's approach to technology integration, availability of professional development.

DVStudent perceptions of technology's role in learning, instructor's perceived ease of technology integration.

CVType of technology used (e.g., Blackboard Learn), subject matter (literacy content).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Qualitative approach provides rich, in-depth understanding of perceptions.
+Addresses both student and instructor perspectives.

Limitations

Small sample size and focus on a single institution may limit the broad applicability of the findings.

Reliability & validity

The qualitative nature of the study provides rich data but may be subject to researcher bias. Triangulation of data from both students and instructors enhances validity.

Think critically

To what extent does instructor comfort with technology translate to effective pedagogical use, and what are the critical factors that enable or impede this translation?

Design Principles

"Effective technology integration requires a holistic approach that considers user comfort, pedagogical application, and ongoing support."

Understanding the nuances of technology adoption within educational institutions is crucial for developing effective strategies. Design interventions must address not only the availability of technology but also the pedagogical approaches and support systems needed for its meaningful integration.

What This Means for Your Design

Teachers might know how to use computers, but they don't always use them well in class, which can make it hard for students to learn.

How to use in your project

1.This study can inform the user research phase of a design project by emphasizing the need to understand both student and instructor perspectives on technology adoption.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research indicates that while educators may possess general technological proficiency, the effective integration of specific educational platforms like Blackboard Learn is often hindered by a lack of targeted support and pedagogical guidance, leading to inconsistent student exposure and learning outcomes.

Source

ScholarWorks (Walden University)

Perceptions of Community College Students and Instructors on Traditional and Technology-Based Learning.

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about technology integration in education: bridging the gap between instructor comfort and student expectation?: Designers of educational technology and training programs must consider the practical challenges instructors face in implementing new tools and ensure that technology adoption is supported by adequate resources and pedagogical guidance. Evidence: ScholarWorks (Walden University) (2019).
Why does "Technology integration in education: Bridging the gap between instructor comfort and student expectation" matter for design?: Understanding the nuances of technology adoption within educational institutions is crucial for developing effective strategies. Design interventions must address not only the availability of technology but also the pedagogical approaches and support systems needed for its meaningful integration.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers of educational technology and training programs must consider the practical challenges instructors face in implementing new tools and ensure that technology adoption is supported by adequate resources and pedagogical guidance.
What were the main findings?: Instructors generally felt at ease with technology but faced limitations in integrating it through specific platforms like Blackboard Learn.. There was a variation in technology exposure among students, depending on the instructor's approach.. Barriers to technology integration included limited access and support.
What research method was used?: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. with 12 participants (6 students, 6 instructors).
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from ScholarWorks (Walden University).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing educational platforms or training modules, conduct thorough user research with both instructors and students to identify specific integration challenges and tailor solutions accordingly.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on a single community college and specific courses, limiting generalizability. The sample size was small.