Yong Zhao and Kenneth A. Frank used an ecological metaphor of the zebra mussel invasion in the Great lakes and compared it to show the “invasion” of new technologies in the school system. In their paper, “Factors Affecting Technology Uses in Schools: An Ecological Perspective” they analyzed 19 schools using the ecosystem framework to answer two questions: To what degree are technologies used in schools? And how are teachers engaged in technology use?
The zebra mussels are an invasive species that originated from Eastern Europe and were accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes where they have become a part of the ecosystem. Zhao and Frank relate the zebra mussel integration to the infiltration of technologies in the school ecology, however, computers have not been successful in establishing themselves in the school system. While the zebra mussel was successful in receiving the support of their keystone species, Diporeia, the computers received mixed support from their keystone species, teachers.
Zhao and Frank recognized that key factors played a role in the survival of computers (technology) in the classrooms:
- Adaptability: Simpler technology such as email, phones and computers in the classroom are used more often because they do not require a lot of adjustment
- Selfish Genes: Teachers’ computer use was high if it addressed their own needs; had the most benefits; required little learning time; limited impact on current teaching practices
- Ecosystem Niche: English teachers were more likely to use computers because word processing is a natural tool for writing activities
- Interaction: Teachers that had help from colleagues were more likely to use computers with their students
- Competing Species: Schools introducing too many technologies were less likely to be adopted
- Species Compatibility: The more the teacher believed that technologies were compatible with their teaching style, the more often the teacher used it
- Mutual Adaptation: Teachers are more likely to use technology when they are given the opportunity to explore it on their own