The Diffusion of Collaborative Technologies into a College Classroom

What elements are required for successful diffusion of a collaborative technology in a classroom-based educational environment? In this paper, we explore criteria for successful adoption of a collaborative technology in a graduate class. Results of several qualitative focus groups and surveys demonstrated that the classic diffusion of innovation dimensions could be applied to an educational situation if implemented correctly. The adoption and implementation of a new technology was not successful in this class for the following reasons. First, the students involved did not perceive relative advantage over existing technologies with which they were comfortable with. Second, the new technology was not perceived as compatible with their normal work routines and learning patterns. Third, the students did not feel that their initial training was extensive enough to overcome continued resistance to developing new use patterns and overcoming a culture of traditional learning processes. Finally, a system of incentives to incorporate this new technology was not successfully implemented. The implications of our findings for educational learning processes using technology are discussed with suggestions for future research.