The Role of Institutional Factors in the Formation of E-Learning Practices

Abstract

This chapter explores institutional and socio-organisational factors that influence the adoption and use of learning management systems (LMS) in the context of higher education. It relies on a longitudinal case study to demonstrate the ways in which a set of institutional and organisational factors were drawn into the formation and shaping of e-learning practices. Factors found to figure predominantly include institutional conventions and standards, pre-existing activities and routines, existing resources available to the institution, and, finally, the institution’s organisational culture. The analysis further shows that socio-organisational factors may influence e-learning implementation in various ways, as they both facilitate and hinder the adoption of technology and its consequent use. It is argued that institutional parameters have particular relevance in the context of hybrid modes of e-learning implementation, as they illuminate the tensions involved in integrating technological innovation into an established system.