Beyond critical mass: a case study investigating the use of WebCT for course delivery by faculty in a campus based UK University

Abstract

This case study investigates the use of WebCT for course delivery by faculty in a campus
based UK university. Whilst numerous studies have been carried out which explore the
use of online learning technology using indicators of critical mass of adoption, minimal
research exists which analyses the use of content management systems (CMS) such as
WebCT for course delivery by faculty examining both pace and level of use. The research
findings highlight that using traditional models of critical mass in isolation is potentially a
misleading indicator of the successful diffusion of a complex innovation. This paper
presents the findings of case research study drawn from 60 semi-structured interviews
with faculty. The paper builds on the diffusion of innovations literature by applying a
conceptual model incorporating indicators of both pace and level of use of WebCT by
faculty for course delivery to provide a structure to the findings. The analysis provided a
more detailed understanding of the acceptance of WebCT, and from this analysis a
series of practical recommendations for achieving more widespread and effective use of
CMS for course delivery within higher education have been developed.

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