Abstract:
This study examined the impact that a district-wide technology initiative
involving interactive whiteboards had on teachers’ attitudes, beliefs, and practices and
whether this impact was consistent with the overall goals of the initiative. Using the
Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as its framework, this
case study using a mixed methods design examined a district-wide interactive whiteboard
technology initiative in middle schools. This study occurred in two phases. Phase one
occurred during the semesters when the initiative occurred and captured data that
described how the initiative manifested itself in teachers’ attitudes, beliefs, and
instructional practices. This was followed 18 months later by phase two which captured
data that examined the intent of the initiative and how this intent was interpreted by all
stakeholders. Combining a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data provided a
more complete representation of how a district-wide technology initiative involving
Promethean boards manifested itself in the classroom, how its intent was interpreted by
multiple stakeholders, and possible reasons why the initiative manifested the way it did.
Findings of this study examined patterns of use that emerged when a district-level
Promethean board initiative was implemented, teachers’ attitudes and beliefs related to
the initiative, contextual influences on adoption of the innovation, and factors of social
influence which impacted the initiative. The first goal established by the district for use
of the Promethean board was generally met with some variations at the school and
individual levels. However, the second goal directed at student achievement was poorly
communicated and largely unmet. Patterns of use and teacher attitudes and beliefs were
most strongly reflected in and influenced by four factors: professional development,
school-based leadership, communication channels, and peer interactions. Together, these
four factors were identified as the primary influences in the initiative’s successes and
limitations.
