How Visual Basic Entered the Curriculum at an Australian University: An Account Informed by Innovation Translation

Arthur Tatnall, Victoria University, Australia

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Bill Davey, RMIT University, Australia

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Abstract

In this paper the authors relate an example of an approach to conceptualising curriculum innovation based on Innovation Translation, informed by Actor-Network Theory (ANT). This approach has an advantage over other innovation models in allowing the researcher to concentrate on just those aspects of the innovation that led to its adoption in a particular form, rather than relying on the explanatory power of its supposedly innate characteristics. The paper briefly outlines the theory of innovation translation, and actor-network theory, and describes an instance of how this theory can be applied to describing an information systems curriculum innovation. This example shows the advantages of innovation translation over other ways of viewing curriculum change.