Constructivist learning theory and human capital theory: shifting political and educational frameworks for teachers’ ICT professional development

Abstract

AbstractThis case study discusses the influence of politics on educational technology policies and practices by tracing the effects of a change of governing political parties with differing ideologies and advisory constituencies. It begins by describing a democratic socialist government initiative based on social capital theory and emphasising connections among individuals. The information and communications technology (ICT) initiative is a peer mentorship model of teacher professional development using constructivist learning theory that emphasises activity‐based situated learning processes. The article then describes a shift in the political context with the election of a political party with a market orientation guided by principles of fiscal responsibility and free enterprise. The subsequent reformulation of educational policy draws from human capital theory and emphasises accountability and the measurement of students’ achievement of technological skills against standard learning outcomes. The significance of the political dimension on the development of educational policies for ICT is discussed, with the conclusion that the exclusion of particular constituent groups can result in narrowly defined educational needs.