The diffusion of digital learning resources in Irish universities: an exploratory study of users’ attitudes and behaviours

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the behaviours and attitudes of academics regarding the diffusion of digital learning resources within Irish Universities. Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory (1995) is used to frame the study providing context around the process of innovation diffusion. The work evolved from research gaps related to the key influencing factors that inhibit or encourage the diffusion of digital resources in the practice of teaching and learning in Ireland. The study focusses on four key research questions: The extent to which the use of digital learning resources has diffused amongst the teaching community; the types of digital resources being used; the main incentives and barriers for using, reusing and developing digital resources; and the support or changes needed to encourage more engagement with digital resources. In addressing the research questions, a web-based survey was used to gather the quantitative data for the study in conjunction with five face-to-face interviews to help substantiate the findings. The study is exploratory in nature and uncovers the common behaviours and attitudes shared amongst the teaching community providing a basis for further more extensive research. The findings of this study indicate that there is a high level of engagement with digital resources, throughout all academic positions and across disciplines, in the practice of teaching and learning. The study indicates that most teachers are motivated to use digital resources as they perceive them to enhance the overall learning experience. The greatest deterrents to use centre around issues of self-efficacy, lack of training and lack of institutional recognition. The key supports requested by participants of this study, which would encourage more use and engagement with digital resources, include the availability of training and on-going support, evidence of pedagogic value and the time to trial and implement digital resources within their teaching practice.