Investigating Factors That Influence the Socially Orientated Instructional Technology Adoption Rate in an Open Distance Learning Institution

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two (relative advantage and compatibility) constructs, drawn diffusion of innovation theory, to the adoption rate of socially orientated instructional technologies, in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) institution. The study is based on a purposive sample of 241 students who are registered for a second-year course at Unisa. A predictive analysis confirms that a socially orientated instruction strategy has a more predictive influence on the adoption rate of socially orientated instructional technology, than compatibility and relative advantage. Results indicate that the instructional designer should focus more on incorporating socially orientated pedagogic principles when designing a learning experience, in order to influence students' usage of socially orientated instructional technology in an ODL environment.