Charity+Moran+Week+8


 * Do you believe a centralized or decentralized approach would work best for the adoption of the innovation you are proposing to the Board of Directors?

Because of the "wide sharing of power and control among the members of the diffusion system" (Rogers, 2003, p.370) that a decentralized approach brings, I feel the decentralized approach would work best for the adoption of the iPad to the Board of Directors. In this fashion, teachers, students, parents, board members, innovators, early majority members all can share in the decision making and innovation process. When everyone's voice is heard, the innovation is more apt to be accepted on a widespread level.


 * Who will you recommend as key change agents in your organization, and how can the seven roles of a change agent be used in your organization to effect positive social change?

I would recommend students and teachers serve as key change agents in K-12 education in regards to the iPad. The teachers could undergo a Trialability period in conjunction with students; students would then be given the very specific task to create information, processes, workshops, and training which could be utilized to serve as a voice for the innovation to others.
 * **Roles of a Change Agent** || **How the role can be used in K-12 to affect positive social change:** ||
 * //To develop a need for change.// || The change agents will make the Board of Directors aware of the need to switch to iPads and the ease with which this change can take place. The change agents can also show the Board of Directors the huge amounts of money that would be saved. ||
 * //To establish an information exchange relationship.// || The change agents will develop a rapport with the Board of Directors by providing credible evidence, numerical data, as well as moving anectdotal records. ||
 * //To diagnose problems.// || The change agents will tell the Board of Directors why the current option - textbooks, paper, pencil - are not the most feasible and economical alternative/option in this 21st century learning environment. ||
 * //To create an intent to change in the client.// || The change agents will work to spark interest of the Board of Directors in the iPad, perhaps by sitting down and sharing/demonstrating the utility of the iPad and sharing how it has been successful,. ||
 * //To translate an intent into action.// || The change agents will work with persons who have substantial influence upon the board of Directors - stakeholders in the school district - to help influence the Board of Directors' behavior in accordance with recommendations based on the Board of Directors needs. ||
 * //To stabilize adoption and prevent discontinuance.// || Once the Board of Directors are in the implementation stage of adoption, the change agent can provide ongoing support and resources to maintain the new adopters' interest in the iPad; as adopters progress in their acceptance, more "tricks of the trade" can be presented to prevent discontinuance and show the new adopters how useful the iPad is. ||
 * //To achieve a terminal relationship.// || The final role of the change agent is to no longer be needed by the adopters; the change agent at this point will ensure self-reliability within the adopters. ||

The iPad has not met critical mass in society yet. In turn, a recommended strategy would be to give incentives to innovators to involve their networks in adopting the innovation. "A self-sustaining critical mass will occur when enough individuals adopt the innovation" (Rogers, 2003, p.313).
 * Has the innovation you are proposing to the Board already met critical mass in society? If it has not met critical mass, which of the four strategies for achieving critical mass do you recommend to the Board for your innovation?