Diffusing Innovations in Nursing Education: From PDAs to OERs

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Healthcare Education
• Innovation Diffusion

Background:

• Canadian educational and healthcare sectors face rapid technological evolution.
• Effective integration of new technologies is crucial for these sectors.
• The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) sought to address these changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe BCIT's process of integrating educational technologies.
• To analyze this integration using Rogers Diffusion of Innovation model.
• To identify implications for educational practice.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Rogers Diffusion of Innovation model as a framework.
• Documented BCIT's journey in adopting educational technologies.
• Provided examples of technological integrations aligned with the model.

Main Results:

• BCIT demonstrated considerable success in diffusing educational innovations.
• The integration process followed key principles of the Diffusion of Innovation theory.
• Specific technological adoptions were successful within the institute.

Conclusions:

• Rogers Diffusion of Innovation model provides a viable framework for technology integration in Canadian educational and healthcare settings.
• BCIT's experience offers valuable insights for other institutions.
• Successful technology diffusion has significant implications for enhancing educational practices.