Technology Implementation Practices in Oromia Education Bureau, Ethiopia: The Implication of the RIPPLES Model

Abstract

RIPPLES is a technology implementation model in the education sector through its components like Resources, Infrastructure, People, Policies, Learning, Evaluation, and Support. It was originally designed as a way to view technology implementation in higher education and has been further developed to incorporate all educational institutions. The purpose of this study was to test the model whether or not it can be applied at corporate level by investigating the implementation of technologies in Oromia Education Bureau. To underlie the study qualitative study design was deployed and the data were collected through interviews, document review and observation. The data were analyzed qualitatively by considering the seven elements of the model as thematic areas of analysis. It was found that the RIPPLES model can be applicable at corporate level and also found that all the components of the original RIPPLES model are determinant factors for enabling and hindering the implementation of technology at an organizational level. Finally, it was suggested that the model is more effective at corporate level if one essential component ‘<i>Strategy</i>’ is added and hence SRIPPLES would be the new model for viewing technology implementation at organizational settings. It was also recommended that careful planning which equally considers all the components of the original RIPPLES model and the upcoming SRIPPLES model is necessary to avoid many of the common problems associated with unsuccessful implementation of technologies at corporate levels.