Sustaining innovation: a research on the variables that enable ICT-­based educational innovation

The article examines the impact and sustainability of ICT-based innovation in the secondary school. The work is based on an empirical research conducted in Italy, between the years 2009-2012 in 12 middle-schools in Piedmont, which were members of the Cl@ssi 2.0 national project. The paper focuses on verifying which variables have favoured, not fortuitous, but long-term sustainability of these innovative practices within schools. This research has identified four pivotal factors for the sustainability of ICT innovation: light and easy- to-use technologies; well balanced redistribution of work and incentives among all teachers; empowerment arising from digital competences and good relationships with the wider stakeholder system. Teachers play a central role in ICT based innovation at school therefore, more investment is needed in the “human factors” than on technology.