Examining Innovativeness at the Classroom Level

Abstract

This is the first of three chapters that analyze and describe, from an ecological perspective, ICT-using pedagogical innovations at the classroom level. Using the metaphorical analogy for pedagogical practice as a species, we position pedagogical innovations as new varieties of species that have emerged through a process of “mutation.” The extent of innovativeness of a pedagogical practice can be compared to the extent to which a mutated species is different from the prevalent, established species. There are different ways of comparing different varieties of the same species. The comparison can be made on the basis of observable, physical characteristics or on the basis of the ecological niches that different species occupy. For example, to return to our butterfly example from Chap. 2, we can recognize different varieties of butterfly by their physical appearance, such as size, wing patterns, and color. We can also differentiate them according to their genetic composition. From an ecological perspective, the most important differences are those denoted by the niche the variety occupies within the wider environment.