Abstract

Abstract: The article presents three case studies of reading promotion by using virtual technology in some Valencian schools, throughout the 2010-2011 academic year. The methodology is mainly qualitative, supplemented by investigation-action, since the resulting data have been used by mediators to improve their practice. Specifically, the study of the three cases has been carried out through participative observation in order to collect data. The process was then was completed with interviews, life stories and a questionnaire. Lastly, a discussion group contributed to the analysis, interpretation and triangulation as a method of evaluation.Key words: reading and Web 2.0, qualitative research, case studies.

Abstract

This paper presents an exploratory study to examine the practices of outstanding primary school teachers in their professional development for ICT integration in teaching and learning, as a means of understanding how their learning ecologies develop and function. Outstanding teachers in the context of this study are teachers who innovate pedagogically and who are influential in the community, having successfully developed their learning ecology. Using a qualitative approach, we explore the concept of learning ecologies as a driver for innovation in the professional development of teachers, using a carefully selected sample of nine outstanding teachers. Drawing from in-depth interviews, specific coding and NVIVO analysis, our results show that these teachers develop organized systems for activities, relationships and resource usage and production, which can be characterized as the components of their professional learning ecology, to continuously keep up to date. We also identified some characteristics of teachers that perform outstandingly and factors that potentially facilitate or hinder their learning ecology development. Further research in the field will enable an improved understanding of the professional learning ecologies of school teachers and support future interventions and recommendations for professional development through the cultivation of emerging professional learning ecologies.

Abstract

The innovative organizational and work processes at the digital newspaper El confidencial.LAB, a laboratory created in 2013 within a newsroom, are analyzed. This research was conducted over a 16-month period, using non-participant observation, in-depth interviews with lab professionals, and a questionnaire answered by its members. The results reveal various innovations generated by El confidencial.LAB in products, internal organization, production flows, user experience, and commercialization. The success of their productive process and business profitability can be attributed to interdisciplinary teamwork, a philosophy of trial and error, and launching a small amount of viable products.