Diffusion

Canfield High School: Implementation of an Online Grading System

 * ==== Background ==== || ==== **S**trengths ==== || ==== **W**eaknesses ==== || ==== **O**pportunities ==== || ==== **T**hreats ==== || ==== Diffusion ==== || ====Conclusion==== ||

Diffusion:
**__Rogers' Perceived Attributes of Innovations (Rogers, 1995, p. 208)__:** As I was reflecting on the success of the adoption of this innovation throughout the entire school, I immediately thought of Rogers' perceived attributes of an innovation. Almost all of the perceived attributes were met which allowed for this change to be widespread.

1. __Relative Advantage__:


 * "Is it better than what I've got now?"
 * It was evident that the current system was working at a minimal level but really lacked what was needed, that increase in communication between teachers, students and parents. I think that once teachers were able to test out the new system they were able to see that it made their job easier, because grades were calculated for them, plus it had added features. Ultimately the rewards were //immediately// noticed by the adopters.

2. __Compatibility__:


 * "Does it conflict with my values, practices, or needs?"
 * One of the big issues within this attribute is how it fits with the indigenous knowledge system. And in this case the majority of teachers were still using the old system that was still somewhat effective, so it was very important that the perception of the new innovation was handled with care. In this case it was, because slowly additional teachers began to jump on board as word spread, and they had a chance to see the improvements this change would have and how it could add value to their old system.

3. __Complexity__:


 * "Is it too difficult to understand or use in authentic settings?"
 * I think this is the beauty of Engrade, because it is a very intuitive site. In addition the concept is not something drastically new. The site provides step-by-step training and tutorials were created by our staff and students, to help those who may get stuck while using Engrade on their own.

4. __Trialability__:


 * "Can I try it out first, and can I go back to what I was doing if I don't like it?"
 * Probably the most important aspect of the diffusion of this change, was the fact that the change at first was not forced. It was something that teachers began to evaluate on their own, while they were using their old system. Not one person that had the opportunity to try it out first opted to no longer use it.
 * The only hiccup developed when the change became forced or mandatory, this is where we started to see some of the first instances of resistance. I think that this small amount of resistance was curbed by our fourth attribute.

5. __Observability__:


 * "Can I watch someone else using it before I decide whether to adopt it?"
 * Because administrators and trained staff led an inservice on the use of Engrade in the classroom, it allowed those that had no idea was Engrade was the opportunity to watch someone else use it. Not only did they get to watch someone else demonstrate the use of Engrade, they also gained a support person to go to with questions and concerns about the system.

Rogers' Perceived Attributes played a major role in the ability for this innovation to gain support at a much quicker pace, and with much less resistance than we normally see to widespread change within our building.