| For over four decades technology, particularly instructional technology (IT), has been widely cited as a panacea for higher education's shortcomings and a way in which to enhance teaching and learning in a more cost-effective, efficient manner. In reality, the delivery on the promise of IT in higher education overall has been described as unsuccessful, disappointing, and less dramatic than what most had envisioned. Prouix and Campbell (1997) stated, "After decades of computer use the diffusion of computers into university teaching remains largely a promise."; Colleges and universities continue to make colossal investments on hardware and software competing with one another in what has become a technological arms race. Once the equipment is in hand many institutions have struggled with the successful adoption and implementation of instructional technology into their operations for a variety of reasons ranging from infrastructure incompatibility to clashes of culture.; The purpose of this study was to examine programs at select institutions that have received the EDUCAUSE Award for Systemic Progress in Teaching and Learning to learn how they created successful instructional technology programs as defined by the award criteria using Rogers' (1983) diffusion of innovations and extensions of this theory as the theoretical backdrop for understanding.; This study is important because it draws attention to the role of instructional technology in higher education and addresses the gap in knowledge over its perceived and actual utility. Various audiences including policymakers, administrators, faculty, students, and industry might find this inquiry useful in setting manageable expectations and planning for the role of IT in higher education in the future.*; *Prouix, M., & Campbell, B. (1997). The professional practices of faculty and the diffusion of computer technologies in university teaching. Journal of Sociology. Retrieved March 31, 2006, from http://www.sociology.org/content/vol002.003/proul.html. Rogers, E. M. (1983). Diffusion of innovations (3rd ed.). New York: Free Press. |
