Institutional strategies for the development of confident and competent e-teachers

Many factors influence the adoption of technology for teaching and learning (e.g. the characteristics of the technology itself, and many other contextual and cultural aspects). The willingness and readiness of teachers to take up new approaches has always been one of the determining factors. Past literature suggests that both technical and pedagogical challenges can hinder teachers' uptake of innovations. The paper describes an institutional framework and set of strategies devised at The Chinese University of Hong Kong to support teachers' use of e-learning technologies. The strategies focus on technical and pedagogical skills, and levels of motivation. The actual strategies implemented include workshops and seminars, online resources, easy-to-use learning management platforms, peer support, building support from senior management and research findings about new strategies in the local context. Our approach and framework should be of relevance to universities which have similar backgrounds, concerns and needs.