ICT and Teachers in Higher Education A Case Study on Adopting Web Based Training

This study investigates the adoption and impacts new educational technology has on teacher’s work and organization. In the context of this study, new educational ICT applications cover primarily tools for web based training (WBT). This study focuses on developing a new theoretical framework for understanding consequences of new educational technologies in organizations and for educational staff. Methodologically this is an inductive, explorative case study, where a new data-driven theory is being derived based on empirical evidence, thus exercising theory creating approach. Empirical data for this study was collected using interviews, and it was analyzed using qualitative, interpretative approach. The main contributions of the study are three fold, first; to provide in-depth descriptions of “how things are” in everyday work with web based training, second; the presentation of new, empirically based theoretical framework for understanding impacts of web based training in educational organizations, and, third; providing recommendations for good practice to teachers and organizations engaged in offering higher education using ICT. In this study eight constructs for theoretical IT adoption model for higher education were recognized. These were Freedom, ICT Experience, Perceived Usefulness, Intention to Use, Resources, Pedagogical Insight, Immaterial Issues and Versatile System Use. Also eleven relations between these constructs were recognized. After comprehensive literature review the model was enhanced with two more constructs; Technological Inscription and Organizational Inscription. IT adoption loop was also included in the model for learning in IT adoption. Impacts of ICT are diverse, and because of advanced technology, teacher’s role in virtual context appears be changing. Findings of this study also suggest that circumstances supporting successful ICT adoption can be tracked down to two levels; personal and organizatorial. Changes related to new technology happen in organizations both from top-down as well as bottom-up. There were also differences between genders in the utilization of ICT.