Introducing a sociomaterial perspective to investigate e-learning for higher educational institutions in developing countries

Val Quimno, Ahmed Imran, Tim Turner

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)
71 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

E-learning projects in developing countries suffer enormous challenges because of various factors. Particularly, technologies that are designed and developed outside of a developing country context are causing significant problems when implemented in developing countries. So far e-learning studies in developing countries have examined utilization, acceptance, adoption, success and failure using the following factors: culture, human behaviour towards technology, and organizational influences. This paper reviews different theoretical perspectives used so far and determines that they are not capturing the complexity of the environment of elearning implementations in developing countries. In particular, the inextricable entanglement of people, technology and the environment is under-appreciated. Furthermore, the complex design implications of that entanglement are not well managed. This paper explores the potentiality of ‘sociomateriality’ as a new lens to examine the uptake and design of the virtual learning environment in a developing country context. The framework proposed uses the concept of entanglement for examining technology uptake and the concept of sociomaterial imbrication to investigate the design considerations of the virtual learning environment. The proposed framework will be trialled in a forthcoming research project investigating virtual learning environment implementations in state-owned higher education institutions in a developing country.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 24th Australasian Conference on Information Systems
Subtitle of host publicationInformation Systems: Transforming the Future
EditorsHepu Deng, Craig Standing
Place of PublicationAustralia, Melbourne
PublisherRMIT University Press
Pages1-12
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9780992449506
Publication statusPublished - 7 Dec 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event24th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, ACIS2013 - Melbourne, Australia
Duration: 4 Dec 20136 Dec 2013
https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20140308062449/http://www.rmit.com.au/browse/RMIT%20Events%2F;ID=84zzr00uubyp;STATUS=A?QRY=%2B(campus) (Archived website)

Conference

Conference24th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, ACIS2013
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne
Period4/12/136/12/13
Internet address

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