Tracing the Development of eCoPs via the eCPDelT Project: From Conception to Implementation

Abstract

The implementation of the Smart schools project was one of the seven flagships' initiatives of the Malaysian Government aims at optimalising ICT utilisation in schools in line with Malaysia's aim to position the country as a globally competitive knowledge-based economy. However, research studies reported a lack of success of the project towards promoting effective ICT usage and developing teacher professionally. This situation became the impetus for the development of the e-CPDelT research project which intends to develop an online learning system based on action research and personal involvement for Smart school teachers. The model adopted is loosely based on the successful UK-based Improving the Quality of Education for All (IQEA) project (Ainscow et al., 1994) and the Communities of Practice (CoP)'s approach (Wenger, 1998). The data were obtained from the blog entries made by the 20 participating Smart schools teachers and triangulated with focus group interviews and mentor reflections. The preliminary findings revealed both internal and external problems. Drawing upon these findings, the eCPDelT learning system was designed and steps were undertaken to promote the new system. However, the response to this promotion was far from satisfactory. The paper concludes by discussing the reasons for such disappointing results and proposes a new plan of action that involves the introduction of the Critical Friends Group technique.