TAM in the Workforce
Two topics are consistent in several research projects encompassing TAM. Viswanath and Davis's research shows averages remain consistent across studies on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use (2000). Perceived usefulness is how someone would feel technology would ease the workload, improve their work performance, and affect their productiveness. Perceived ease of the use is how easy is it to work with, upgrades are well explains and understandable, and platforms are easy to correlate to job responsibilities.
Companies wanted to know whether all the investment in new computing technology would be worth it (Sauro, 2019). This is a regular topic of conversation at my job. Being in parks and recreation there are so many moving parts and useful platforms are very important. As you can find programs to get the job done or make your job easier, are we doing the research into these to make sure they communicate with each other. If they don’t communicate together then we potentially are making more work for ourselves. With technology being so advanced and programs and platforms being released daily each company needs to weigh their needs to make sure they are doing what is best for their employees and those they serve. One of my most recent interactions with this is the American Red Cross. They have done an outstanding job producing blended learning experiences that provide great knowledge to their learners. In the process of advancing these programs they for some reason chose to not advance everything or make the appropriate changes to courses when their information had changed and trainer knowledge had been required to change. It is really easy to find a great program that will meet all your needs, but take the time to make sure it also meets the needs of those you work with and provide service to.
References
Sauro, Jeff P. (2019). 10 Things to Know about the Technology Acceptance Model – MeasuringU. Measuringu.com. Retrieved 14 September 2022, from https://measuringu.com/tam/.
Viswanath Venkatesh, Fred D. Davis, (2000) A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies. Management Science 46(2):186-204. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.46.2.186.11926 F
I found that being willing to at least look at the technology is key. When we consider if we will use a technology or not, there are some more commonly viewed factors to consider, its usefulness and ease of use. According to Kemp (2017) there are some not so common factors such as the social norm, and the facilitating conditions. The social norm is who will use it, who is currently using it, who wants me to use it, will there be others like me using it etc. The facilitation conditions is will there be training, support now as well as long term, and accessibility. All of these factors are the responsibility of the self directed learner to explore, at least to some degree with some willingness. If not, then by default I think a barrier to learning is in place, as the learner cannot discover if the product or technology is even compatible and will serve their needs. Its like the whole saying of if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If we aren’t willing to explore beyond our comfort zone or current uses, ho do we know if we have better way, or easier way to do something.
ReplyDeleteKemp, A. [Andrew Kemp]. (2017, August 7). Introduction to Technology Acceptance Models (TAM) for Education [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icZbLhQoqG8&t=3s
Glad that you mentioned "facilitation conditions" in your post. Instructors can create some of these facilitation conditions but learners will have better chance to have more positive learning experience if, as you said, they are willing to explore.
DeleteKang
It sounds like the take-on you are describing is more that learners (or companies) must determine the usefulness of a new technology - but also that that technology must be maintained and integrated into existing structures to actually be useful (Davis, 1989).
ReplyDeleteI think this is an extremely common problem in large organizations where people far removed from the day to day work are responsible for "upgrades." Even if the technology has a measurable amount of usefulness independently or when compared in a vacuum to the technology it is replacing, the technology must be viewed in the true context in which it will be employed (Nazareno & Schiff, 2021).
Nazareno, L., & Schiff, D. (2021, October 21). The impact of automation and artificial intelligence on worker well-being. Technology in Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101679
Davis, F. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
Kimberly-
DeleteYes. Companies should, in my humble opinion consider the long-term aspects of a new technology before implementation. The facilitation conditions are just as important as the other factors, such as social norms and ease of use and benefits. I think the reiew should come from an all-around view, perhaps instead of just an instant gratification type view.
I really enjoyed your post as well as your graphic! I completely agree that organizations should do their research and think things through before committing to a technology implementation. It sounds to me like you are suggesting organizations should have strong 'digital leaders'. Digital leaders differ from traditional leaders in that they must possess a high degree of digital literacy and capability, a mindset of innovation, creativity, and forward thinking when it comes to technology, awareness of the organization’s adaptability and culture, and a clear vision for the future (Grajek & Reinitz, 2019). These digital leaders should take into account learner needs, organizational objectives, and learners' technological skills prior to an implementation (Blaschke, 2014). They should also be prepared to provide support where needed.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Blaschke, L. M. (2014). Using social media to engage and develop the online learner in self-determined learning. Research in Learning Technology, 22.
Grajek, S. & Reinitz, B. (2019). Getting ready for digital transformation: Change your culture, workforce, and technology.
Shannon-
DeleteYes, I agree with you here on the need for digital learners taking into account the learner needs as well as the technology skills of the user prior to implementation. The focus seems to be on how it will benefit the use (be it a student or company) rather than focusing on if the user has the foundational skills to be successful candidates for its use.
It was somewhat new to me about platforms workout with other platforms to make a technological online experience more pleasant. There are many platforms that offer great services and make things easier for learners or costumers. It is interesting to see which platforms support other platforms to combine services and create an overall positive experience.
Delete"It is interesting to see which platforms support other platforms to combine services and create an overall positive experience."
DeleteThis is true and there has been a trend of technology development like this. One such example is Canvas. Canvas allows people to integrate third party apps so that more learning features can be available without learners leaving Canvas, which means more options to learn. But more doesn't mean better. People say the problem we have today is too many options including technology. For example, I have colleagues trying to figure out whether they should use Skype, Microsoft Team, or Zoom to teach classes. In my kids' classes, one teacher wants the parents to communicate with her through ClassDojo, another teacher wants us to communicate via email, and yet another teacher wants us to message them through the Canvas system (We have to create a parent observer account in their Canvas system first of course).
Through the lens of TAM (Venkatesh & Davis, 2000), what would you recommend someone to do if their instructor uses multiple technologies to teach and some of which are "foreign" and/or "inconvenient" for them to use as a learner? Anyone any thoughts?
Kang
Reference:
Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. D. (2000). A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: Four longitudinal field studies. Management Science, 46, 186–204. https://k-state.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01KSU_INST/1260r8r/cdi_gale_infotracacademiconefile_A62347235