Teaching technology adoption by tertiary institutions : what part do personal values play?

Tertiary institutions are increasingly looking to emerging technologies as a means of enhancing teaching and the student experience. The focus of this study was to determine if personal values had an effect on adoption of teaching technologies and academics awareness of their personal and oragnisation’s values. The study was undertaken in a workshop with nine academics at a teaching technology conference in the United States of America. Academics were asked to reflect on the types of technology used in their teaching, the influence of organisational values in adoption of emerging teaching technology, as well as their understanding of their own personal values. In addressing these questions, the Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) was used to examine individual awareness of personal values but also reflect on organisational values and the part these both play in the eventual adoption of emerging teaching technologies. The findings were that whether conscious or otherwise, personal values play a part in the adoption of teaching technology, and for better or worse should be considered when adopting technology for teaching and learning.