What are the Best Approaches for Encouraging the Diffusion of a New Instructional Technology among Faculty Members in Higher Education? A Look at Eportfolio Use at Stony Brook University

Abstract

This article will summarize and explain the Diffusion of Innovations Theory put forth by Everett M. Rogers (2003). It will then share some of the other research that has been conducted relevant to diffusion, especially those researchers who have looked at the diffusion of instructional technology in higher education. It will consider criticisms of diffusion theory and alternate ideas that have been proposed. Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations Theory will then be considered in light of a specific example of instructional technology—the diffusion of ePortfolio use among faculty members at Stony Brook University. Consideration will be given to what has been done so far at Stony Brook University relevant to ePortfolio use, and how these steps compare to Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Recommendations will be made for moving forward with this technology and how to best encourage faculty members to try ePortfolios with their students. Finally, questions and gaps that might benefit from further research will be proposed.