Exploring the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Open Source Software in Western Cape Schools

Autor/inn/en	Johnston, Kevin; Begg, Shameemah; Tanner, Maureen
Titel	Exploring the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Open Source Software in Western Cape Schools
Quelle	In: International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 9 (2013) 2, S.64-84 (21 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1814-0556
Schlagwörter	Open Source Technology; Technology Integration; Technology Uses in Education; Performance Factors; Program Implementation; Adoption (Ideas); Administrator Attitudes; Employee Attitudes; Semi Structured Interviews; Educational Assessment; Educational Indicators; Contracts; Influence of Technology; Usability; Institutional Characteristics; Educational Environment; Individual Characteristics; Environmental Influences; Resistance to Change; Higher Education; Foreign Countries; South Africa + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Leistungsindikator; Ideas; Ideenfindung; Arbeitnehmerinteresse; Education; assessment; Bewertungssystem; Educational indicato; Bildungsindikator; Vertrag; Lernumgebung; Pädagogische Umwelt; Schulumwelt; Personality characteristic; Personality traits; Persönlichkeitsmerkmal; Environmental influence; Umwelteinfluss; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen; Ausland; Südafrika; Süd-Afrika; Republik Südafrika; Südafrikanische Republik
Abstract	Open Source Software (OSS) presents many benefits to both the private and the public sectors, and has proven to be a viable solution in schools. Although a policy mandating the use of OSS exists in the Western Cape province of South Africa, very few schools in the province have adopted OSS. The education system in South Africa is currently facing a crisis because of its inability to provide quality education, and its lack of funds. The Western Cape recently signed a Microsoft Schools Agreement. This study aimed at gaining insights into the factors influencing or inhibiting OSS adoption within the Western Cape Schools Environment. In-depth interviews were conducted with senior staff in the Department of the Premier, and the Department of Education, as well as users at school level. The Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework was employed to organise the data, while thematic analysis was used to uncover themes and patterns in the data. Significant factors that emerged as positive influences on the adoption of OSS included cost, performance and positive attitudes. The negative influences that emerged included compatibility, lack of resources and time, and lack of support. Recommendations for the negative influences were highlighted, and include research and development, employment of additional resources, on-going support, and training. The study contributes to existing knowledge, by extending the TOE framework through the inclusion of the "Individual" element. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. University of the West Indies Open Campus, Dave Hill, St. Michael BB11000, Barbados. Tel: 868-663-9021; Fax: 868-645-9741; Web site: http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01