Table Of ContentWalden University
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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2015
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Learning
Management Systems by Medical Faculty
Kristy Burrough
Walden University
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Walden University
College of Education
This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by
Kristy Burrough
has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.
Review Committee
Dr. Dennis Beck, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty
Dr. Asoka Jayasena, Committee Member, Education Faculty
Dr. Kathleen Lynch, University Reviewer, Education Faculty
Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.
Walden University
2015
Abstract
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Learning Management Systems by Medical Faculty
by
Kristy Burrough
MA, Southern Nazarene University, 2011
BS, Southern Nazarene University, 1999
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Education
Walden University
December 2015
Abstract
Despite recommendations by the Association of American Medical Colleges regarding
the adoption of technology in medical universities, faculty are still reluctant to adopt new
learning technologies. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to determine
the factors existing in the adoption of learning management technology among late
adopters within the faculty of colleges labeled as comprehensive academic medical
centers. Using the Everett Rogers diffusion of innovations theory as its framework, this
study sought to ascertain the factors late adopters identify as preventing them from
adopting technology and to determine what measures they suggest to increase technology
adoption among their peers. This qualitative study used interviews of participants
identified as “late adopters” and subsequent document analysis to provide evidence for
the factors identified. Using in vivo coding, data were organized into 5 themes: factors,
learning management systems, demographics, general technology, and solutions. Results
showed that late adopters avoided adopting learning management technology for several
reasons including training, time, ease of use, system changes, lack of technical support,
disinterest, and the sense that the technology does not meet their needs. Recommended
solutions offered by faculty included varied times for trainings, peer mentoring, and
modeling learning management system use among faculty. Understanding these factors
may contribute to social change by leading to more rapid adoption and thus introducing
efficiencies such that faculty can dedicate more time to medical instruction. It also may
aid other universities when considering the adoption of a learning management system.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Learning Management Systems by Medical Faculty
by
Kristy Burrough
MA, Southern Nazarene University, 2011
BS, Southern Nazarene University, 1999
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Education
Walden University
December 2015
Table of Contents
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv
List of Figures ......................................................................................................................v
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1
Introduction ....................................................................................................................1
Background ....................................................................................................................2
Problem Statement and Purpose of the Study ................................................................4
Research Questions ........................................................................................................6
Framework .....................................................................................................................6
Nature of Study ..............................................................................................................7
Definitions......................................................................................................................8
Assumptions ...................................................................................................................8
Scope and Delimitations ................................................................................................9
Limitations .....................................................................................................................9
Significance..................................................................................................................10
Summary ......................................................................................................................11
Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................12
Introduction ..................................................................................................................12
History of Educational Technology Since WWII ........................................................13
Technology and Higher Education ..............................................................................17
Technology in the Medical Sector ...............................................................................23
Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory .....................................................................30
Summary ......................................................................................................................34
i
Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................36
Introduction ..................................................................................................................36
Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................36
Research Questions ......................................................................................................39
Participant Selection ....................................................................................................39
Role of Researcher .......................................................................................................41
Instrumentation ............................................................................................................43
Data Collection ............................................................................................................44
Data Analysis Plan .......................................................................................................46
Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................47
Ethical Procedures .......................................................................................................48
Summary ......................................................................................................................48
Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................50
Introduction ..................................................................................................................50
Setting .........................................................................................................................50
Demographics ..............................................................................................................54
Data Collection ............................................................................................................57
Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................58
Evidence of Trustworthiness........................................................................................67
Results .........................................................................................................................68
Summary ......................................................................................................................86
Chapter 5: Discussions, Conclusions, and Recommendation ............................................87
Introduction ..................................................................................................................87
i i
Interpretation of Findings ............................................................................................87
Limitations of Study ....................................................................................................95
Recommendations ........................................................................................................96
Implications..................................................................................................................98
Conclusion .................................................................................................................100
References ........................................................................................................................101
Appendix A: Interview Consent and Protocol .................................................................112
Appendix B: Introduction Script for Interview ................................................................114
Appendix C: Confidentiality Agreement .........................................................................115
ii i
List of Tables
Table 1. College Learning Management Setting .............................................................. 54
Table 2. Participant Demographics ................................................................................... 56
Table 3. Study Themes, Sub-Theme Definitions .............................................................. 59
Table 4. Code Occurrence Table ...................................................................................... 60
Table 5. Participation Factors ........................................................................................... 76
Table 6. Training Attendance 2013 and 2014 ................................................................... 92
iv
List of Figures
Figure 1. Adopter Categorization on the Basis of Innovativeness.................................... 34
v
Description:MA, Southern Nazarene University, 2011 aid other universities when considering the adoption of a learning management system. faculty adoption of the learning management system. The mission states,. “Our mission is leading health care – in education, research and patient care. Our goals.
