Title: Institutional strategies for the development of confident and competent e-teachers

Authors: Carmel McNaught, Paul Lam

Addresses: Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research (CLEAR), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 302, Academic Building No. 1, NT, Hong Kong. ' Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research (CLEAR), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 302, Academic Building No. 1, NT, Hong Kong

Abstract: Many factors influence the adoption of technology for teaching and learning (e.g. the characteristics of the technology itself, and many other contextual and cultural aspects). The willingness and readiness of teachers to take up new approaches has always been one of the determining factors. Past literature suggests that both technical and pedagogical challenges can hinder teachers| uptake of innovations. The paper describes an institutional framework and set of strategies devised at The Chinese University of Hong Kong to support teachers| use of e-learning technologies. The strategies focus on technical and pedagogical skills, and levels of motivation. The actual strategies implemented include workshops and seminars, online resources, easy-to-use learning management platforms, peer support, building support from senior management and research findings about new strategies in the local context. Our approach and framework should be of relevance to universities which have similar backgrounds, concerns and needs.

Keywords: institutional policies; institutional strategies; teacher readiness; pedagogy; motivation; confidence; e-teachers; electronic teachers; technology adoption; technological characteristics; new approaches; contextual aspects; cultural aspects; technical challenges; innovation; Chinese University; Hong Kong; universities; higher education; pedagogical skills; workshops; seminars; online resources; e-learning; electronic learning; internet; world wide web; virtual education; ease of use; usability; learning management platforms; peer support; senior management; research findings; local contexts; continuing education; life-long learning; electronic competence; e-competence; lecturers; academic staff.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2010.037048

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2010 Vol.20 No.3/4/5, pp.306 - 323

Published online: 22 Nov 2010 *

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