Neumann, T; Bell, C; Flanders, D; Logan, K; Sherman, S; Short, N; Whittlestone, K; (2010) Web-based collaboration in Higher Education: small steps towards adoption. In: Creanor, L and Hawkridge, D and Ng, K and Rennie, F, (eds.) ALT-C 2010 - Conference Proceedings. (pp. pp. 139-148). Association for Learning Technology: Nottingham, UK.

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Abstract

This paper reports on the early adoption phase of Google Docs as a web-based collaborative tool across six institutions in a concerted effort. The adoption approach was based on a custom framework in order to focus on users and their actual needs, and the adoption was driven by a small project team as opposed to institutional managers. This study therefore reports on suitability and value of the custom framework and on issues of innovation adoption originating from the institutional periphery. Users were reporting a high satisfaction with the tool, and findings show that the use of the tool enhanced collaboration significantly, in turn improving the quality of student learning. The main concern of this paper, though, is the evaluation of the custom adoption framework. This framework is based on the idea of not overwhelming users, instead introducing small, gradual steps with a technological innovation that is appropriate for their needs. Based on a review of existing adoption models, we attempted to address common issues of individual-based adoption models in our given context. Overall, the framework was successful but needs adaptation. Concepts such as technological gaps do not always align to user perceptions. With some suggested adaptations, though, this framework can be used in similar scenarios.

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