The Mix that Works for the SMARTBoard Integration in an American Elementary School: What We Can Learn from Them

Abstract

The function of school and the important role of community involvement on technology integration are areas that are given little attention in the fields of research in educational technology in Malaysia. This study, which explores the aforementioned areas specifically on the integration of the SMARTBoard Technology, attempts to shed an insight into how Malaysian schools can learn from an American elementary school that is well known for its successful integration of the SMARTBoard Technology. Framed by the Cultural Historical Activity Theory and the Theory of Diffusion of Innovations, this study centers on the mix that works for the success from the social, cultural, and historical lenses. Two technology embracer teachers were the participants in this study. The findings that emerged from this study revealed that the school’s pledge is the key innovation that was necessary in the school for the success of the SMARTBoard Technology integration, which also came as another innovation. These innovations was made swift through the school’s community practices , which are community building, developing routines, and balancing act–the mix that was necessary for the school to successfully diffuse innovations into its system and function efficiently as a community. Reciprocally, the innovations themselves have enforced such practices and made the practices all the stronger.