Distance, Climate, Demographics and the Development of Online Courses in Newfoundland and Labrador

One of the assertions of the Actor-Network Theory is that physical factors can be actors within a network of other factors which determine the development and use of technology. This paper documents the impact of climate, distance and demographics on the adoption of online courses at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada. The qualitative study demonstrates that these physical factors did influence professor’s decisions to use online courses. The findings support the Actor-Network Theory and provide insight into the interaction of physical and human actors within a network that facilitated the adoption of online courses at the university being studied. DOI: 10.4018/jantti.2013040102 18 International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation, 5(2), 17-28, April-June 2013 Copyright © 2013, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. nology by all age groups in society, there will likely be an increased demand for new options in terms of education programs and services. There is also strong evidence that government policy and funding initiatives will encourage the development and use of innovative technology in learning.