Domain of Utilization

"Utilization is the act of using processes and resources for learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). Completing design and development of instruction does not ensure that the instruction will be carried out and received by the learners as planned. Designers rely on theories and models to plan and carry out the most effective utilization of the product created in the design and development stages.

There are four subcategories in the Utilization domain:

• Media Utilization
• Diffusion of Innovation
• Implementation and Institutionalization
• Policies and Regulations

Media Utilization refers to the systematic use of media resources available. Designers have selected the media in the design and development phases. Now they must ensure that the selected media is available, working properly, and that instructors are able to manipulate the media effectively. According to the ASSURE model (Analyze learners; State objectives; Select methods, media, and material; Utilize media and material; Require Learner Participation; Evaluate and revise), which is based on Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction, media selection and media utilization are major steps of the development process.

Diffusion of Innovations is the process of bringing about change through communicating and planned strategies for the purpose of gaining adoption. "Getting a new idea adopted, even when it has obvious advantages, is very difficult" (Rogers, 1995, p. 1). Roger’s developed the diffusion of innovation theory and model that highlights five different attributes of innovation and five adopter categories.

The attributes of innovation are:

• Relative advantage - the degree to which an innovation is perceived as better that the previous)
• Compatibility-the degree to which an innovation is perceived as consistent with the existing values, past experiences, and needs of learners
• Complexity-the degree to which an innovation is perceived as difficult to understand
• Trialability- the degree to which an innovation may be experimented with on a limited basis.
• Observability – the degree to which the results of an innovation are visible to others
  

The five adopter categories are Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, Laggards. Roger’s model offers guidance for the process of adoption. He breaks the process down into five stages called awareness (knowledge), interest (persuasion), evaluation (decision), trial (implementation), adoption (confirmation).

Implementation is applying instructional materials or strategies in a real environment. Implementation is the first full scale introduction of the instructional product into the system. Institutionalization is the continuing, routine use of the instructional innovation in the structure and culture of an organization. Some factors that affect implementation include leadership support, commitment of stakeholders, and time.

Policies and Regulations are the guiding framework for the diffusion of innovation process. Designers develop policies and regulations for the innovation based upon research gathered in the design and development stages. In order to develop proper policies and regulations designers must consider the scope of the project, the learner characteristics, environmental aspects, organizational policies and regulations that effect implementation. For example, A school technology plan requires that every user of a school network adhere to an acceptable use policy. Federal and state regulations must be followed and an appropriate policy will be written to serve these purposes. An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) may include the following components:

• description of the instructional philosophies and strategies to be supported by Internet access in schools
• statement on the educational uses and advantages of the Internet in a school or division
• list of the responsibilities of educators, parents, and students for using the Internet
• code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet
• description of the consequences of violating the AUP
• description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet
• disclaimer absolving the school division, under specific circumstances, from responsibility
• statement reminding users that Internet access and the use of computer networks is a privilege
• statement that the AUP is in compliance with state and national rules and regulations
• signature form for teachers, parents, and students indicating their intent to abide by the AUP