Unit 3, Activity 1: Theoretical Framework

The focus of my research is how to enhance online learning and promote learner engagement in a large public sector organization. The client that I design curriculum for operates in a highly regulated and security conscious environment where new learners are exposed to this training as part of their on boarding to the organization. The learners will access their learning within a restricted online platform without access to the Internet. Therefore, their learning experience, including learning activities, will take place solely within that environment.

The theoretical framework (TF) that I intend to use to help guide my research is the technology acceptance model (TAM). The TAM focuses on two factors that may influence peoples’ acceptance of technology (Davis, 1989). The first, is perceived usefulness, which is defined as the end-user’s level of belief that the technology will improve their job performance (Davis, 1989). The second factor is, perceived ease of use, which is defined as the end-user’s level of belief that the technology will be easy to use. The research behind the TAM suggests that these factors may determine user behaviour (Davis, 1989).

I would also like to incorporate the connection between learner engagement and the community of inquiry (CoI).  As you may recall, from LRNT528, the CoI frames learning as both an individual experiences as well as a collaborative one (Vaughn, Cleveland-Innis, Garrision, 2013). I would like to include CoI in the scope of my research to explore how it might affect learner engagement.

As the image I chose for this blog suggests, I’d like to explore this research with the mentality of thinking outside of the box. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

References

Photo by Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash

Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly13(3), 319–339. Retrieved from https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy.royalroads.ca/stable/249008?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents

Vaughan, N. D., Cleveland-Innes, M., & Garrison, D. R. (2013). Teaching in blended learning environments: Creating and sustaining communities of inquiry. Chapter 1: Conceptual Framework. (p. 17-28). Retrieved from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120229/ebook/03_Vaughan_et_al_2013-Teaching_in_Blended_Learning_Environments.pdf

4 Replies to “Unit 3, Activity 1: Theoretical Framework”

  1. Hi Sue
    As someone who has worked in HR for most of my career, I understand the need for on-boarding and I recognize the value in a well thought out on-boarding program. In this case, the new hires will need to complete on-boarding activities in the specific environment. New hires are nervous when they start in a new organization (regardless of what position they hold for the new employer) and to this point, I see the correlation of your TF. TAM is important because the on-boarding process is one of the first opportunities where new hires determine if the employer is supportive of the employee’s needs. If the on-boarding process provides answers in an easy to use format, new hires may think more positively about the organization. From an HR perspective, a good on-boarding process ‘should’ improve job performance.

    I see the relevance of the COI framework to on-boarding if the on-boarding process allows new hires to collaborate together and/or if they are receiving support and creating a trusting relationship with a mentor or the supervisor. Now that would be interesting (not for the research necessarily) but could you imagine an on boarding process that not only provides information and inspires a new hire but also the on boarding process ensures every new hire is ‘matched’ with a buddy or mentor. This person could be the ‘go to person’ when the new employee had questions or concerns – ah, perhaps that is for another day, but I wanted to share it in case you could ever use it or suggest it to a client.

  2. Great choice Sue – I think TAM will work really well as a TF. I think that you could start exploring the connection between learner engagement and the community of inquiry (CoI) through the lit review in A2. You might want to start with a sub section on each concept and provide that summation and synthesis of the research that has occurred and what that tells us. Not making any value judgements, but more just showing what is.

  3. Hi Caroline,
    Thank you for the great suggestions! I would love to be able to work that closely with our client to incorporate such amazing ideas. Hopefully their organizational culture supports a fully integrated onboarding strategy.
    Where we come in is more in terms of their new employees foundational training. I’m hoping that my research findings might support ideas I have to include interactive activities among each cohort as well as how a CoI might prove to be beneficial approach to that end. We shall see!
    Sue

  4. Hi Deb,
    Thanks for the suggested approach! That makes sense to me and seems a good way to start. When you say “… start with a sub section on each concept and provide that summation and synthesis of the research that has occurred and what that tells us.” Are you referring to CoI concepts: social, teaching and cognitive?
    Thanks for clarifying,
    Sue

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