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This is a case study of innovative teaching that examined how 28 elementary school teachers in Israel perceived their implementation of digital game-based learning (DGBL) in their classrooms. The study involved teachers in Israel, who implement DGBL into their classroom teaching. Qualitative analysis of semistructured in-depth interviews with the participants identified two dimensions in the teachers' narratives: the style of DGBL adoption (traditional/innovative), and the extent of DGBL implementation (high/medium/low). Based on these dimensions, four types of teachers were defined: the innovator and trailblazer, the implementer, the effort maker, and the struggler. The research findings can serve as an essential tool to help managers and decision-makers design professional development programs and tailor DGBL use to the four types of teachers identified in the study. Furthermore, once identified, trailblazer teachers could be recruited to serve as agents of change.

This chapter addresses the integration of digital games in the education arena. It presents findings from research investigating the perceptions of teachers at different stages of their career regarding digital game integration in teaching and relates to the perceptions of school principals in this context as well. The findings show that teachers at different stages of their careers integrate digital games in different ways and with varying scopes. It was found that school principals hold positive perceptions of integrating digital games into teaching and encourage, leading teachers to disseminate the new idea of incorporating digital games in instruction.

Aim/Purpose: The goal of the study was to examine the perceptions of senior academic staff who also serve as policymakers in Israeli colleges of education, regarding the integration of technology in teacher education, and the shift to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is little research on this issue and consequently, the aim of the present study is to fill this lacuna. Background: In Israel, senior academic staff in colleges of education play a particularly important role in formulating institutional policies and vision regarding the training of preservice teachers. They fulfil administrative functions, teach, and engage in research as part of their academic position. During the Covid-19, they led the shift to online learning. However, there is little research on their perceptions of technology integration in teacher education in general, and during the Covid-19, in particular. Methodology: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 senior academic staff from 13 academic colleges of education in Israel. Contribution: The study has practical implications for the implementation of technology in teacher education, suggesting the importance of establishing open discourse and collaboration between college stakeholders to enable enactment of a vision for equity-that allows programs to move swiftly from crisis-management to innovation and transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings: The findings obtained from content analysis of the interviews reveals a central concept: “On both sides of the divide”, and points of intersection in the perceptions of the senior academic staff. The central concept encompassed three themes: (1) centralization - between top-down and bottom-up policies, (2) between innovation and conservation, and (3) between crisis and growth. The findings indicate that in times of crisis, the polarity surrounding issues essential to the organisation’s operation is reduced, and a blend is formed to create a new reality in which the various dichotomies merge. Recommendations for Practitioners: The study has practical implications for the scope of discussions on the implementation of technology in teacher education (formulating a vision and policies, and their translation into practice), suggesting that such discussions should consider the perceptions of policymakers. Recommendation for Researchers: The findings reflect the challenges faced by senior academic staff at colleges of education that reflect the ongoing attempts to negotiate and reconcile different concerns. Impact on Society: The findings have implications for colleges of education that are responsible for pre-service teachers' teaching practices. Future Research: An enacted vision for equity-based educator preparation that allows programs to move swiftly from crisis-management to innovation and transformation. Future research might reveal a more complete picture by investigating a broader spectrum of stakeholders both in Israel and elsewhere. Hence, future research should examine the power relations between senior college staff and external bodies such as the Higher Education Council (which determines higher education policies in Israel).