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An Activity Theory Approach to Characterising How ICT Based Innovations Spread in Singapore Schools

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Scaling up ICT-based Innovations in Schools

Part of the book series: Studies in Singapore Education: Research, Innovation & Practice ((SSERIP,volume 3))

Abstract

Innovation diffusion is a complex process that is undertaken in various ways. The use of ICT-based educational tools have been mandated through the national policy on ICT Masterplan which is at its 4th iteration currently. In line with this, the edulab funding programme is a structure that is put in place to encourage schools to spread innovations. A multiple case study approach is employed to understand how ICT-based innovations are spread to schools through the ‘spread’ model. This model is observed when multiple schools implement the use of a technology in classrooms. The ‘spread’ model shows that the implementation of the technology appears to be due to individual teacher efforts to incorporate technology use in their classrooms. Such models of innovation spread which are centred on the implementation of technology are typically not sustained as the technology becomes outdated and replaced by other novel methods. This chapter will comment on the activity systems of the spread model for ICT-based innovative teaching and learning as well as the contradictions of the model.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

    Shamala Raveendaran, Peter Seow, Mei Ying Tan & Ching Leen Chiam

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  1. Shamala Raveendaran
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  2. Peter Seow
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  3. Mei Ying Tan
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  4. Ching Leen Chiam
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Correspondence to Shamala Raveendaran .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Nanyang Technological University, National Institue of Education, Singapore

    Elizabeth Ruilin Koh

  2. Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Singapore

    David Wei Loong Hung

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Raveendaran, S., Seow, P., Tan, M.Y., Chiam, C.L. (2021). An Activity Theory Approach to Characterising How ICT Based Innovations Spread in Singapore Schools. In: Koh, E.R., Hung, D.W.L. (eds) Scaling up ICT-based Innovations in Schools. Studies in Singapore Education: Research, Innovation & Practice, vol 3. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4469-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4469-6_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-4468-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-4469-6

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