Abstract :
This paper explores the role that eCompetence of faculty members play in the integration
of eLearning in higher education. Learning technologies have the potential to
enhance educational innovation, but the eLearning adoption rate of faculty in universities
is so far disappointing. The motivation and capability of faculty to use information
and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning is influenced by competence
development measures and wider institutional incentives that universities offer.
The paper presents the findings of an international survey on eCompetence measures for
faculty in 23 universities. Results show that traditional ICT training courses do not
sufficiently motivate faculty to acquire the required competences and to engage in
eLearning. Universities have to create innovative portfolios for faculty development
which extend both the scope and breadth of formal training with non-formal measures
like communities of practice, peer groups and networks. Beyond these competence
development measures, institutional incentives like eLearning rewards and career
opportunities for eLearning champions increase the motivation of faculty to sustainably
use learning technologies for their courses.
