The Impact of Participation in a Community of Practice on Teachers’ Professional Development Concerning the Use of ICT in the Classroom

Abstract

Although technology can be used as an important tool in teaching mathematics, its integration into teaching methods by teachers lags behind. To support teachers in their use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the mathematics classroom, a Community of Practice has been set up which consisted of the researchers and twelve teachers teaching eight grade students. The influence of the community on teachers’ professional development has been evaluated. Analysis shows that throughout the project teachers have become more confident in their use of ICT and more aware of the importance of teacher guidance when ICT is used to support student learning. Evaluation of the enterprise shows that teachers’ development has not been optimally supported by the community.