The Role of Incentives in Facilitating the Integration of an Online Learning System into Pedagogical Practices: A Human Performance Technology Perspective

Abstract

This paper summarized findings from an empirical study that evaluated the effectiveness of a technology incentive project, MEET, on facilitating the adoption of a web technology CCC Confer among college instructors. Results show that teachers’ technology adoption can be facilitated by providing certain incentives. A number of strategies were essential to the effectiveness of this incentive project: (1) Involving teachers in the decision-making process to make the technology integration project meaningful to them; (2) Helping teachers to develop a well-designed plan with realistic goals and a feasible implementation outline; (3) Building a collegial community from where teachers can learn from peers, obtain support from their social-networks, and work collaboratively; (4) Leading with strong leadership to ensure high morale, sufficient resources and support that are indispensible to the successful implementation of a technology project; and (5) Proving timely support to help teachers remove roadblocks. Restraining factors included insufficient critical appraisal, the absence of collaborative projects, and few face-to-face meetings. Specific implications for technology integration are discussed.