Profiling Information and Communication Technologies

Perhaps the most basic decision that educators can make in communicating with students is what communication channel to use. Innovation profiles apply the classic attributes of an innovation—relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability—to new information and communication technologies to facilitate their successful implementation. Most importantly, as the author demonstrates in applying this concept to distance learning and teaching platforms, technology leaders can analyze technologies a priori to determine potential problems. Profiling the affordances offered by various communication channels will greatly facilitate the work of technology leaders as change agents charged with implementing technologies that confront the numerous challenges facing higher education: retention rates, affordability, and preparing students for the work world.