A window into lecturers' conversations

With whom are they speaking about technology and why does it matter?

Abstract

With the rapid rise in interest in open and online education and flexible learning initiatives across the higher education sector, senior administrators are establishing strategies and policies concerning technology-enabled learning. However, technology adoption and integration with pedagogical practice is complex and multi-dimensional with the socio-cultural nuances that impact acceptance often remaining undetected. Reporting on a subset of results from a larger investigation of factors influencing lecturers' technology adoption, in this paper the author reveals how the relational ties and technology-related conversations amongst lecturers stimulate the exchange of ideas. Understanding how lecturers learn about new technologies can help higher education leaders to provide the support mechanisms necessary to foster further knowledge sharing and eventual technology adoption by educators.