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UBC Theses and Dissertations

Investigating computer-supported collaborative learning and critical inquiry : a case study of the seeds of possibility--integrating information and communication technologies project in the two-year elementary teacher education program at the University of British Columbia Zhang, Tianyi

Abstract

The central question in this thesis is: what were, if any, the relations, tensions, and contradictions that occurred when critical inquiry and Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) were introduced to enhance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy in the Two-Year Elementary Teacher Education Program (TYETEP) course of study at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The study was guided methodologically using discourse analysis and case study and it was focused on the development of (ICT) literacy within two core courses (Principles o f Teaching and Communication). The data were analyzed in light of contemporary educational issues identified from the overall teacher education program at U B C and a literature review of ICT perspectives, practices, and policies within Canada, British Columbia, and more generally North America. The preliminary findings were based on empirical research I collected and indicated that collaborative learning, critical inquiry and the concept of learning spaces were enhanced when ICT was integrated into the TYETEP. Some social and infrastructure problems were found as tensions during the program. Insufficient ICT hard infrastructure as well as teachers' and students' low attitude towards the integration of ICT were found to contradict the literature review. This thesis reports on one line of research from a more comprehensive research project called "Seeds of Possibility: Integration Information and Communication Technologies." Seeds of Possibility was a pilot program with a research objective that examined how over the course of several years' teacher education students can enhance their ICT literacy and fluency as they engage in using ICT through their program.

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