E-learning jako dyfuzja innowacji na obszarach wiejskich Unii Europejskiej

E-learning as a Diffusion of Innovation in the Rural Areas of the European Union

Early observations show that the introduction of e-learning to the rural areas of the EU has brought fewer advantages than had initially been expected. Results of international research – interpreted by means of the sociological theory of diffusion – indicate that economic profitability does not have much influence on the pace of disseminating that innovation since rural inhabitants – both those following e-learning courses as well as those who have not yet done so – largely feel that that type of education has a variety of advantages including the lowering of its costs. It seems that its social profitability has a crucial influence on the poor dissemination of this new form of teaching and learning. E-learning has not yet found its niche in the value systems or educational experiences of Europe’s rural populations, since – rather like other forms of education – it does not automatically improve the capability of coping with current day-to-day problems. A better adaptation to the needs of rural inhabitants through the perception of various types of deficits hindering the usage of this type of education is intended by the so-called innovative e-learning, implementing new and generally innovative solutions to the pedagogical, technological and organisational fields which overcome existing limitations through a greater flexibility of ways of potential participants accessing e-learning proposals as well as greater adaptation to individual needs.

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