A Pilot Test of Participatory Ergonomics and Technology Teams among High School Teachers

Abstract

The promise and potential of Information Technology (IT) to improve education in educational environments is offset by potential for problems that can stem from an unhealthy information ecology. The long-term goal of this line of research was to improve teachers' effectiveness with IT and incorporating IT into their curriculum. This goal was addressed in this research through a participatory approach that employed an action research model. The specific aim was establishing small groups of teachers to meet weekly to engage in collaborative exploration of the use of IT in their classrooms and assessing progress of their learning. Teachers' team evaluation surveys indicated that a majority of Participatory Ergonomics and Technology Team members were satisfied with their participation and the quality of the teams. Team member teachers' perception about their own computer proficiency and their belief about the usefulness of IT statistically increased from pre- to post-intervention. It is possible to conclude that this approach is a viable method that may have positive effects on supporting teacher collegiality and improving teachers' use of IT.

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