Change Management In Transition To E-learning System

Abstract

Though e-learning technologies are begin to be used in education institutions, their role entirely depends on the acceptance and execution of required-change in the thinking and behavior of the developers and users of institutions. It is very hard to change the behaviours, cultural bonds and lifestyle of the users in the educational institutions. Teachers, students and administrators are used to traditional pedagogy and educational administration and research are constantly reporting that many e-learning projects are falling short of their objectives due to many reasons but on the top is the user resistance to change according to the digital requirements of new era. It is argued that the suitable way for change management in e-learning environment is the training  and persuading of users with a view to enhancing their digital literacy and thus gradually changing the users attitude in positive direction. This paper discusses change management in transition to e-learning system considering pedagogical, cost and technical implications. It also discusses challenges for integrating these technologies in higher learning institutions with examples from Turkey GATA (Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi- Gülhane Military Medical Academy), and giving best practice approaches for addressing each of the challenges.