Title: Hybrid learning in Ghanaian higher education: implications of the diffusion of innovation theory

Authors: Mildred Agnes Adeaba

Addresses: East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

Abstract: Technology adoption is crucial in hybrid classrooms, the study investigated the factors that led to university students' adoption of innovations for hybrid lessons through the application of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory after the pandemic. Two hundred students from the University of Ghana were surveyed through an online questionnaire and data analysed through structural equation modelling and SPSS. The findings show that Ghanaian higher education students view Zoom as the newest innovation introduced for hybrid learning, the innovation adopter types are predominately early majority. Findings also show that Ghanaian higher education students' intention to adopt hybrid learning is significantly interrelated and impacted by relative advantage, complexity and observability. Compatibility and trialability were highly correlated and did not provide significant feedback. It was recommended that higher education authorities organise regular training on hybrid innovations for students and staff, technology integration in schools should be done from primary school onward and continuous technology training should be provided for all teachers to prepare them to teach students in the digital era and equip them for life and jobs in the 21st century.

Keywords: hybrid learning; diffusion of innovation theory; innovations; adopters; factors; Ghanaian higher education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2023.136913

International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning, 2023 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.271 - 299

Received: 09 Jun 2023
Accepted: 23 Aug 2023
Published online: 28 Feb 2024 *

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