Personal Factors in the Success of Early Adopters of a Major Technology: Faculty Experiences With Interactive Video Teaching

This qualitative study investigated the personal aspects of the individual related to the change process of faculty who teach with a new major technology, interactive video distance learning. The study utilized in-depth interviews, observations of videotaped instructional sessions, and analysis of reflection logs to generate data from three successful early adopters. This study revealed that these instructors were motivated to use technology in teaching to provide access to students, and to engage in professionalization through self-directed learning. Successful technology-enabled teaching went beyond technical skills. Success was enhanced by deeper aspects of the individual expressed in a personal vision of change as a learning opportunity, in a commitment to excellence, and in a joy of discovering and applying innovation. A theory of The Essential Step for Change posits that recognition of need to change precedes successful change. A progression of phases following this step are: (1) acceptance of need to change involving vision and receptiveness; (2) willingness to act toward change involving personal excellence and a sense of commitment; and (3) welcoming of new opportunities for self-actualization with creativity and a spiritual connection.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Conway, Maureen T.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bragg, Debra

• Education, Educational Psychology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9971055

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/80390