Date of Completion

5-8-2020

Document Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Advisor

Carol Ann Sharicz

Abstract

Toastmasters International, an educational organization consisting of an international network of public speaking clubs, has developed a sophisticated elearning educational program called Pathways as an update to a simpler program, published in booklets, that was nearly a century old. Reactions from club members have been mixed and the transition has required a great deal of training and support efforts at all levels of the organization. This research seeks to identify best practices Toastmasters clubs and members can use to successful transition to Pathways. The hypothesis of the research is that Toastmasters, as a community of practice (CoP), is a connectivist learning organization for which a cognitivist intervention is not likely to succeed without adaptations. Interview and survey data are used to test additional research questions about technology acceptance, technology coping strategies, and the motivations of Toastmasters members that influence adoption and resistance. Recommendations are made to club and district leaders.

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