Influences on the Acceptance of Innovative Technologies Used in Learning Opportunities

Abstract

In this chapter, the author presents a theoretical framework to better understand how individuals adapt to innovative technology used to support learning opportunities. This chapter begins with an overview of literature concerning technology acceptance, specifically centered on the seminal work of Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003). This is followed by a discussion of three theoretical perspectives change that include Lewin's (1997, 1952) change model, Schein's (1996) adaptation of Lewin's model as it related to learning, and Roger's (2003) diffusion of innovation. Next, the chapter includes a discussion on the concept of digital personalities as framed by Prensky (2001b) and Palfrey and Gasser (2008) and how this concept may impact technology acceptance. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how these theoretical perspectives inform our understanding of technology acceptance.

Preparing for the Future of Work and the Development of Expertise

“…However, for any of this to be successful, organizations of the future must ensure that steps are taken to facilitate the adoption of innovation (Rogers, 2003 ) and technology (McGurn & Prevou, 2012 ; Pavera, Walkera, & Hunga, 2014 ). Research (Davis, F. D., 1989 ; Lee, Kozar, & Larsen, 2003 ; Moats, 2015 ; Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003 ; Yen, Wu, Cheng, & Huang, 2010 ; Yousafzai, Foxall, & Pallister, 2007 ) has shown that technology is more likely to be accepted by users when several criteria are met. First, one must understand how the technology will help him or her perform the job better.…”

“…This is especially important when the opinions are from those who are important to the user (e.g., the boss, a trusted colleague, etc.) (Moats, 2015 ; Venkatesh et al, 2003 ). A final, but important criterion is that the user believes that the organization can support the implementation and the sustained use of the technology (Venkatesh et al, 2003 ).…”

“…Rogers ( 2003 ) defines a four-component strategy that is essential for integrating an innovation throughout an organization and ensuring learning and development of employees; chief among these components is a social system. In technology adoption literature, the power of this component is strongly reinforced (Moats, 2015 ; Venkatesh et al, 2003 ). To that end, organizations must be ready to go beyond teaching individuals how to use the technology.…”

“…Although this is vitally important, it is not enough. Organizations must also create, communicate, and explicitly support technology implementation strategies (Moats, 2015 ). Simply throwing technologies at workers with little or no guidance of how the technology will integrate into the organizational operation is likely to fail and hinder the application of employee expertise.…”

Analysis of Teachers’ Tablet Teaching Adoption Process

“…However, incorporating tablet technology into students' learning also increases the complexity of, and creates additional challenges and anxieties for managing classroom settings. These challenges and anxieties regarding teachers' adoption might result in rejection of the technology (Moats, 2015).…”