Do innovation projects with ICT enhance learning? Experiences from case studies in Galician schools

Abstract

We present a study which analyzes the factors that infl uence the processes of change in innovation projects with ICT in schools. In the current socio-political and econom-ic context, the demand for innovation is felt across all fi elds. The educational system is no exception, and schools are expected to hop on board the innovation wagon. Our re-search involved four cases including a pre-school, two primary schools and a second-ary school in Galicia (Spain). A collaborative action research methodology was used in the usual stages: action, observation, and refl ection.The factors affecting change in schools are complex and intertwined. The present study focuses on the following three research questions: How do education adminis-tration policies affect the development of school innovation processes with ICT? What training and professional development processes are mobilized for the management and evaluation of school innovation projects? And which aspects of school organiza-tional culture change when there are innovation processes with ICT? The fi ndings reveal a strong interconnection among the dimensions analyzed (so-cio-political context, school organization, teachers, their professional culture and their training and professional development). The diffi culties and possibilities associated with each dimension as well as the way they interconnect also come to light