Collaborating to Learn Computer Technology: A Challenge for Teachers and Leaders

Although teacher learning and collaboration are repeatedly linked to school improvement, surprisingly little is known about the facet of collaboration involving the dissemination or sharing of teacher knowledge; that is, what teachers share, why and with whom they share it, or how and when they share what they have learned. This article describes a qualitative study that specifically examined the phenomenon of dissemination among teachers involved in a multi-year computer technology project in three schools. Findings indicate dissemination challenges for teachers (e.g., time, attitudes, norms) and for leaders interested in fostering collaboration or engaging in school improvement (e.g., encouraging teacher sharing, collaborating with teachers to form teams and design schedules). A table summarizes both simple and challenging changes leaders can implement to encourage teacher learning and collaboration through dissemination.