Bridging Great Divides: Innovation Diffusion in Hawaiian Distance Learning

Abstract

This article characterizes Internet-based distance learning innovation by faculty and schools in Hawaii from the perspective of Rogers’ diffusion of innovation model. It also describes representative cases of innovation at varied educational levels and academic fields based on subject interviews and Web site content analysis. Besides the practical necessity for using distance learning as an educational outreach to people on the islands of Hawaii, several themes emerged - all of them highlighting the need to create distance learning bridges to span the physical and cultural space of Hawaii and its links to the world.