Teachers' personal network analysis reveals two types of pioneers in educational digitalization: Formal and informal intermediaries at schools

Abstract

SELFIE is a tool of the European Commission designed to support schools in developing their digital capacity. Schools across Europe have used SELFIE as a diagnostic tool. However, participating schools expressed a need for external guidance in the implementation of digital education transformation, including the exchange of expertise and inspiring practices with other educational centers. In this research we explore what are the key factors in the creation of collaborative networks between teachers. As a case study, we focus on the first steps of building a network of schools to promote digital education in Cantabria (northern Spain). With the participation of 11 schools, we conducted 22 interviews and 2 focus groups to analyze the learning environments of the teaching staff, the personal collaboration networks in the professional field, and the factors perceived as relevant in the design of the digital action plan of each school. The results showed the existence of teachers in each school who were pioneers in the digitization process and who acted as intermediaries both with the public educational administration and with teachers from other schools. During the interviews with these pioneers, we evaluated their personal networks as well as the factors they deem significant for an effective digital transformation. The results were contrasted in a public forum in which 120 teachers participated. Based on these results, we discuss how the creation of a network of key actors could contribute in developing the digital capacity of schools in the region.