Diffusion of innovation in computer science education: a case study in Thailand

The inspiration for this research was an aid project, entitled the Thailand-Australia Science and Engineering Assistance Project (TASEAP), which was part of a World Bank project to reform science and engineering in higher education in Thailand in the period 1998-2001. This research explores the success of TASEAP and the adoption, diffusion and sustainability of the educational innovations in computer science in participating public universities in Thailand. Review of the literature revealed critical information systems success measures for assessment ofthe success ofTASEAP, and diffusion of innovation theory provided a basis for investigation ofthe diffusion ofthe innovations. The literature also described university culture and variables that indicate the ability of universities and departments to change. With this research embedded in Thai culture it was also important to understand its influence on the educational outcomes. Thai behavioural values added to an extensive set of literature themes. At the time of TASEAP significant global trends in education, technology and development theory may also have influenced the project outcomes. The research consisted of two studies. A preliminary exploration at two university departments determined the viability of the research, documented the innovations and influences on their adoption, and presented a preliminary model showing the motivating and inhibiting influences for each stakeholder. The purpose of the second study was to evaluate the results across a broader cross section of computer science academics and departments and to refine the evolving theoretical model. A qualitative approach was used for both studies. Data collection involved interviews of academic staff at each of the selected departments. For the purposes of triangulation, data was also obtained from class observations, documents, student interviews, informal discussions with administrative heads, an external educational counsellor and a high official in the Ministry of Education. Key findings from the research are: ■ a theoretical model showing the external and stakeholder influences on computer science educational reform, and on adoption, diffusion and sustainability across a cultural boundary; ■ the influence of national behavioural culture on internal organisational culture such that the organisational culture is affected by the national cultural overlay; ■ a refinement of the theories of diffusion of innovation, information systems success, and university culture to include national behavioural culture as an influencing factor; ■ a description of the effects of educational and technological global trends and the Asian Economic Crisis on Thai higher educational development at a time of significant change; ■ the realisation that project success does not necessarily indicate sustainability; and ■ the importance for change agents of: ■ initial assessment of institutional development, national behavioural cultural influences and communication flows; ■ initial development of a communication strategy and sustainability plan; ■ ensuring engagement of participants, such as opinion leaders and representatives; and ■ their ability to influence policymakers and peer networks. The research adds to empirical qualitative work in the fields of education, particularly computer science education, innovation diffusion, success and sustainability, aid projects and national behavioural culture in each of these fields.