Learning responsibilities to ensure successful technology adoption

The Technology Acceptance Model, how a new technology and the various aspects of it are received and used by the user (MBA Skool, 2013), is an important factor for the self-directed learner (SDL) who may need to implement a new technology to enhance their learning. Two factors to consider when approaching the new technology are first, its usefulness (benefits/contributions to learning needs) and second, how easy it is to use. These responsibilities can seem overwhelming and a bit daunting, yet if those bigger tasks can be broken into smaller, equally important tasks, the job may well produce a positive outcome, and dare I say learning.  

There are five main steps for a SDL; set a goal, create a plan, monitor learning, seek help when needed and reflection of the process (University of Texas at Austin [OnRamps], 2016). For a SDL to determine the usefulness and the user-friendliness of technology this 5-step plan can be a good guide.  

·       Set a goal – determine how a technology will enhance my learning

·       Create a plan – how will I go about finding out if this technology will help me or not

·       Monitor my learning – keep notes, brainstorm ideas, continue to question to locate answers

·       Seek help when needed – seek out resources, ask peers or others who have used the technology for their input (conduct surveys) read reviews, attend trainings/workshops, market research

·       Reflection of process – look at outcomes of research and see if the technology is a good fit

This whole process would include a strong willingness to learn as well as management of time and appropriate resources.

A specific example for me would be using a blog for this course:

·       Set a goal – how is this blog going to enhance my learning for this course and how easy is it to use

·       Create a plan – basic outline of what I want to learn and how I can use it to learn new material

·       Monitor my learning- take notes, compare and contrast, pro/con lists, can I find my way around (user friendliness)

·       Seek help – search engines, watch instructional videos, talk to other students

·       Reflect – look back at the notes, posts, replies to peers posts, to review my new understanding of blog usefulness and ease of use

If I was not willing to seek out more details of the blog and its potential contributions to my learning, I may not of had as productive of an outcome to learning, nor an enjoyable one. If, I did not manage time and resources, I may have gotten off course and created potential blocks to learning.

Despite impressive advances in hardware and software capabilities, the troubling problem of underutilized systems continue. (Venkatesh & Davis, 2000). If I were unwilling to learn about and manage the use of new technology, I might also be contributing to underutilization of technology in general daily life at work, school or home.

What do you think? How much or little is the students responsibility for successful use of technology?  Please share your comments below. 

 References:

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) - Meaning & Definition. (2013, May 31). MBA Skool. Retrieved September 11, 2022, from https://www.mbaskool.com/business-concepts/it-and-systems/7560-technology-acceptance-model-tam.html

University of Texas at Austin [OnRamps]. (2016, July 8). Self-directed learning part 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgfFCnBdSas

Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. D. (2000). A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance

 Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies. Management Science, 46(2), 186–204.

https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.46.2.186.11926