Diffusion of Innovation: A Case Study of Course Management System Adoption.

155 Pages·2008·0.49 MB·English

ABSTRACT
DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION: A CASE STUDY OF
COURSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ADOPTION
Phillip Powell, Ed.D.
Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
Northern Illinois University, 2008
Lara Luetkehans, Director
The purpose of this study was to examine the processes of evaluation,
selection, adoption and diffusion of a course management system (CMS). This study
incorporated two institutions, each having six participants. The participants were
placed into three categories: faculty, staff, and administration. Each participant was
either a faculty member, who was also an early adopter of the institution’s CMS, a
staff member, or an administrator. Each participant was involved in part or all of the
evaluation, selection, adoption and diffusion processes.
The outcome of the study indicated that the participation of these individuals
helped the institutions evaluate and select their CMS. In addition, the study indicated
that each institution arrived at their decisions through different evaluation and
selection processes. University #1 consisted of a committee to evaluate and select their
system, while University #2 comprised members of the Technology Department and
utilized the input of faculty members to help select a system. The findings also
recommended that the participation of these individuals influenced others to adopt the
system. Each university, however, provided different incentives to entice the adoption
of these systems.
The study recommends that institutions with the resources might be more
suitable to adopt open-source systems than smaller institutions without adequate
resources to maintain these systems. Furthermore, the research suggests that additional
studies are needed to analyze how many small institutions are using open-source
systems and to what extent are they using these systems.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
DEKALB, ILLINOIS,
MAY 2008
DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION: A CASE STUDY OF COURSE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ADOPTION
BY
PHILLIP POWELL
© 2008 Phillip Powell
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY,
RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT
Doctoral Director:
Lara Luetkehans
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I have the deepest appreciation for my wife, Jennifer, without whose support
and sacrifices throughout these past few years I could not have completed this
dissertation. And to my mother, Jewel Powell, and my family (Sandra, Angela, Lamar,
Cathy, and Lillian) who encouraged me along the way. I would also like to
acknowledge my daughter, Danielle, and my son, Darius, for their encouragement and
endless support.
A special thanks to Dr. Lara Luetkehans, for her patience and guidance
through the process. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. James
Lockard, as well as Dr. Rhonda S. Robinson for serving on my committee, and
providing their continuous guidance.
I would also like to thank Dr. Kocher, Dr. Trost, and Juanita Nash for their
support. In addition, I would like to thank the participants of this study.
DEDICATION
To my aunt Marcie for her support
In memory of my aunts, Bernice Wooley and Beaulah Iverson
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................... viii
LIST OF APPENDICES..................................................................................... ix
PREFACE............................................................................................................ x
Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 1
Statement of the Problem............................................................ 4
Purpose of the Study.................................................................... 5
Research Questions..................................................................... 6
Significance of the Study............................................................. 6
Definition of Terms..................................................................... 7
Organization of Chapters............................................................. 8
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE.................................................................. 9
Introduction................................................................................. 9
Course Management Systems...................................................... 9
Pedagogy and Design of CMS........................................ 10
Faculty Use of CMS........................................................ 11
Diffusion Theory......................................................................... 13
Diffusion Research.......................................................... 14
v
Chapter Page
Explanation of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory........ 14
Adopter Categories.......................................................... 16
Diffusion of Innovation Framework................................ 17
Innovation Decision Process........................................... 18
Models of Diffusion.................................................................... 20
Zaltman and Duncan’s Resistance/Adoption Model....... 20
Comparison of Roger’s and Zaltman and Duncan’s
Models............................................................................. 21
Concerns-Based Adoption Model................................... 22
Levels of Use................................................................... 24
Similarities and Differences in the CBAM and
Roger’s Models .............................................................. 25
User-Oriented Development Process.......................................... 26
Change Process............................................................................ 28
Roger’s Model as a Conceptual Framework............................... 29
Summary...................................................................................... 30
3. METHODOLOGY.................................................................................. 31
Rationale for Methodology.......................................................... 32
Research Methodology................................................................ 33
Research Design.......................................................................... 33
Description of Participants.......................................................... 34
Data Collection, Procedures, and Sources................................... 37
Data Analysis............................................................................... 37
vi
Chapter Page
Organization of Data................................................................... 38
Coding ......................................................................................... 40
Analysis of Coded Data............................................................... 40
Summary...................................................................................... 41
4. FINDINGS OF THE STUDY................................................................. 42
Research Question....................................................................... 42
Part I: University #1.................................................................... 43
Evaluation........................................................................ 43
Selection.......................................................................... 51
Analysis of the Evaluation and Selection Process........... 53
Adoption and Diffusion................................................... 54
Summary of the Adoption and Diffusion Process........... 57
Part II: University #2................................................................... 58
Evaluation........................................................................ 58
Selection.......................................................................... 63
Summary of the Evaluation and Selection Process......... 63
Adoption and Diffusion................................................... 64
Summary of the Adoption and Diffusion Process........... 68
Cross-Case Analysis.................................................................... 69
Evaluation and Selection................................................. 69
Adoption and Diffusion Processes.................................. 72
Summary...................................................................................... 74
vii
Chapter Page
5. DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................... 75
Introduction................................................................................. 75
Discussion of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory...................... 76
Evaluation and Selection................................................. 76
Adoption and Diffusion Processes.................................. 79
The Innovation Decision Process.................................... 80
Summary of the Innovation Diffusion Process............... 85
Research Question....................................................................... 87
University #1................................................................... 87
University #2................................................................... 88
Implications of This Study.......................................................... 88
Recommendations Related to Study............................................ 90
Recommendations to Institutions................................................ 91
Recommendations for Future Research....................................... 93
Conclusions................................................................................. 95
REFERENCES ......................................................................................... 96
APPENDICES ......................................................................................... 101
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Course Management Tools 2000-2003................................................... 3
2. Adopter Categorization on the Basis of Innovativeness.......................... 17
3. Diffusion of Innovation Framework........................................................ 19
4. Comparison of Roger’s and Zaltman and Duncan’s Models.................. 21
5. Stages of Concerns About the Innovation............................................... 24
6. Similarities of CBAM and Rogers Models............................................. 26
7. Five Steps in the Innovation Decision Process ……………………...... 89