Study Guide 14

Objectives:

By the end of this session you should be able to:

1. Name some of the barriers to the adoption of distance education in specific settings, e.g., K-12; post-secondary education; business/industry; government;
2. Describe the process of diffusion (dissemination), adoption and implementation of innovations in general;
3. Identify successful distance education programs and describe the reasons for their success; and
4. Give examples for each of Ely's "Conditions that facilitate the implementation of educational technology innovations".

Read:

Ely, D.P. (1999) Conditions that Facilitate the Implementation of Educational Technology Innovations. Educational Technology, Nov-Dec. pp. 23-27. (Handout)

Refer to:

Rogers, E.M. (1984 or 1993) Diffusion of Innovations. New York: Free Press

Focus Questions:

1. What are the situational variables that affect the adoption of new ideas in most institutional settings?
2. What are the unique dynamics of distance learning that influence its acceptance by potential "deliverers" and "clients?"
3. Define: diffusion, dissemination, adoption, implementation, institutionalization.
4. Have you seen evidence of "Ely's Conditions" in a setting with which you are familiar? Cite examples.
5. How can strategies of planned change be applied to create conditions for acceptance of distance education programs?

REMINDER: Papers, projects, technical reports, etc. are due today.