Optimal professional development ICT training initiatives at flagship universities

Xi Wang,Weiyan Xiong,Huiyuan Ye,Fang Lu,W James Jacob,Christopher C Blakesley,Shangmou Xu

doi:10.1007/s10639-020-10154-y

Abstract

This study explores best practices and roles of information and communication technology (ICT) in select professional development centers at 16 flagship universities. Through adopting a qualitative case study design, this study explores the strengths and weaknesses of current technology training initiatives in the selected professional development centers. As part of the research and teaching programs at flagship universities, professional development center leaders shared about the current ICT practices as well as the strengths and limitations of their own centers. The analysis section includes a critical look at ICT practices among flagship universities from a human resource theory lens. Findings indicate common successes that facilitate the ICT practices of these centers including delivery mediums, services, ideas, and goals, as well as various barriers of implementing ICT training initiatives. The paper concludes with suggestions on how professional development center leaders, senior administrators, and educational policy makers can help improve professional development processes with the assistance of optimal ICT initiatives.

Highlights

The rapid development in information and communication technologies (ICT) enhances teaching and learning experiences offered by higher education institutions (HEIs) (Stensaker et al 2007)
This study articulates the PDC leaders’ opinions about and their first-hand experiences in improving the technology integration process by addressing the following key research questions: First, how are information & communication technologies employed at flagship university professional development centers? Secondly, what are the barriers to implementing information and communication technologies at flagship universities?
The purpose of this study was to examine how technology is being used in professional development centers in selected world class universities, and what strengths and weaknesses are associated with the technology implementation process

Summary

Introduction

The rapid development in information and communication technologies (ICT) enhances teaching and learning experiences offered by higher education institutions (HEIs) (Stensaker et al 2007). Professional development organizations are often the best equipped to implement technology initiatives. There is a lack of empirical evidence as to whether current professional development centers (PDCs) are providing optimal technology training initiatives for their faculty and students. This study articulates the PDC leaders’ opinions about and their first-hand experiences in improving the technology integration process by addressing the following key research questions: First, how are information & communication technologies employed at flagship university professional development centers? What are the barriers to implementing information and communication technologies at flagship universities? This study articulates the PDC leaders’ opinions about and their first-hand experiences in improving the technology integration process by addressing the following key research questions: First, how are information & communication technologies employed at flagship university professional development centers? Secondly, what are the barriers to implementing information and communication technologies at flagship universities?

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion