Feature-Driven Adoption Patterns of Online Learning Environments -- The Instructors' Perspective

In the educational domain Online Learning Environments (OLEs) have become part of many institutions' Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. As revealed by previous studies, instructors in combination with their ability to utilize ICT are the key for creating an effective OLE. While previous work mostly focused on the identification of adoption barriers, this study investigates drivers related to OLE's main functions. By applying the paired comparison technique and analysis of more in-depth questions we can conclude that feature-driven adoption patterns are determined by variables such as instructor's age and experience with OLEs, while gender only partly influences the adoption of OLEs. Based on these findings, concrete practical conclusions can be drawn for providers of OLEs and the governing body of schools using these OLEs.