A Practical Approach to Implement Education Technologies in New Universities

The integration of educational technologies to support operational models for modern universities is playing an increasing and crucial role in developing university visions and educational strategy. This is particularly true for newly established universities and educational organizations. In this paper, the author presents a scenario-based conceptual framework to relate technology with classroom learning and at the same time maintaining alignment with the organizational strategy. The approach is used to discuss the practical aspects of implementing and managing educational technologies. As a case-study, a modern private not-for-profit university in Saudi Arabia was used to illustrate the applicability of this approach. In order to evaluate the stage at which the university is operating, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used. Usage of these models in a coordinated manor helped the university to evaluate current state and ‘visualize’ future options. This in turn,helped to consolidate the views of key stakeholders and facilitate effective decision making. The whole approach was useful to maintaintwo-way alignment with the formal university strategy, with particular emphasis on the operational and logistical perspectives rather than financial.