Predictors of support for doctoral programs in media information technologies

This study assesses interest in curricular development in new technologies among communication faculty, with a focus on doctoral-level programs. Diffusion of innovations theory explains both individual- and organizational-level factors that may account for adoption of innovations, including those stemming from new technologies. In the field of communication, media information technology programs represent an organizational-level innovation of clear importance but with uncertain faculty support, due to individual factors (e.g., interest area, age) and departmental constraints (e.g., lack of resources). In light of this, several research questions are advanced to address: (1) the current level of support for media information technology programs among communication faculty members and (2) predictors of faculty interest in having more media information technology programs. Data were collected through a random sample of faculty members who filled out a survey on the World Wide Web. Results indicate that media information technology programs are viewed by faculty as the most needed type of program in the field of communication. Findings from a logistic regression analysis also reveal several predictors of support for new technology programs, including male gender, support for organizational communication programs, support for programs focusing on mass communication, and the belief that multimedia teaching facilities are important. The implications of these findings are discussed, with an emphasis on their relevance to faculty working in communication and related fields.