Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Education

Advisor

Dennis Beck

Abstract

Despite recommendations by the Association of American Medical Colleges regarding

the adoption of technology in medical universities, faculty are still reluctant to adopt new

learning technologies. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to determine

the factors existing in the adoption of learning management technology among late

adopters within the faculty of colleges labeled as comprehensive academic medical

centers. Using the Everett Rogers diffusion of innovations theory as its framework, this

study sought to ascertain the factors late adopters identify as preventing them from

adopting technology and to determine what measures they suggest to increase technology

adoption among their peers. This qualitative study used interviews of participants

identified as "late adopters" and subsequent document analysis to provide evidence for

the factors identified. Using in vivo coding, data were organized into 5 themes: factors,

learning management systems, demographics, general technology, and solutions. Results

showed that late adopters avoided adopting learning management technology for several

reasons including training, time, ease of use, system changes, lack of technical support,

disinterest, and the sense that the technology does not meet their needs. Recommended

solutions offered by faculty included varied times for trainings, peer mentoring, and

modeling learning management system use among faculty. Understanding these factors

may contribute to social change by leading to more rapid adoption and thus introducing

efficiencies such that faculty can dedicate more time to medical instruction. It also may

aid other universities when considering the adoption of a learning management system.

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