Nimmonsvann-Wk+7+Update


 * **Who would you expect to be (or who are) the innovators and early adopters in your field of work for the innovation you are exploring?** What strategies are the most persuasive in convincing them to adopt the innovation? In my field of work, the innovators and adopters could be anyone who loves technology and likes to keep up with the latest trends in education. That is the beauty of it all-- anyone can do this! All it takes is a desire coupled with a little elbow grease! As I have been studying, I have seen superintendents, teachers, and others pick up the torch and carry it to improve the field of education. Since it affects us all, why not invest in our future by helping to spearhead technologies that are forward- thinking? Strategies that would prove most persuasive are those Rogers mentions in his book. We need to use his expertise as well as that of others to help increase the knowledge of potential adopters.
 * **Who do you think would be (or who are) the laggards in terms of rejecting the innovation?** What strategies would be best to help move them toward adoption? It has been my experience that the laggards in the field of education are those who handle the money. This could be anyone from administrators, bookkeepers, or key personnel at the district level. These people seem most reluctant to jump on the bandwagon of novelty. Perhaps, it is because they have to carefully account for every dime spent or something, but they can be really resistant to change. Next in line would be anyone who does not like the concept of change. These people tend to be satisfied with concepts they are used to. When asked to step out of their comfort zone, they can be quite a force to be reckoned with.


 * **Which combination of perceived attributes would be best for helping your innovation meet critical mass in your industry?** I believe compatibility, trialability, and observability are a powerful combination in moving innovations toward acceptance. The innovation must be compatible with the needs of its users. Next, there has to be an opportunity given for potential adopters to sample the product. Lastly, the results have to be visible to those who value statistics to validate expenditures, worth, and full adoption of an innovation. In education, seeing is believing in many regards-- as long as the source is credible.