The Perceived Attributes of Wi-Fi Technology and the Diffusion Gap among University Faculty Members: A Case Study

Yong Lu, Pennsylvania State University
Jing Quan, Salisbury University
Xubin Cao, Southwestern University of Finance & Economics

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to investigate and understand the perceived attributes of Wi-Fi technology and the diffusion gap among university faculty members. Rogers’ diffusion theory provides the theoretical framework to guide the qualitative study.

Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The participants were 16 faculty members (nine adopters and seven non-adopters) from six colleges at a midwestern state university. Findings from this study show the differences between early adopters and non-adopters (the mainstream) in these aspects: knowledge and skill of technology, teaching practices, teaching philosophy, and technology needs. These different perceptions toward Wi-Fi technology lead to diffusion “gap” between early adopters and the mainstream.

This diffusion gap implies that a different support infrastructure is needed for mainstream faculty to integrate technology for teaching and learning. An institution needs to act as a change agent to promote further technology adoption by the mainstream faculty.

Recommended Citation

Lu, Yong; Quan, Jing; and Cao, Xubin (2009) "The Perceived Attributes of Wi-Fi Technology and the Diffusion Gap among University Faculty Members: A Case Study," Communications of the Association for Information Systems: Vol. 24, Article 5.
Available at: http://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol24/iss1/5