Replacing the LMS: An activity theoretical approach to understanding how the interactions of different professional groups facilitate or constrain the adoption of educational technologies

The research explores the processes of multidisciplinary project interactions that occurred during the implementation of a comprehensive new Learning Management System (LMS) by interviewing IT specialists, Business Analysts, eLearning Project Officers, and Academic teaching staff who participated in the project. Qualitative case study data on participants' perceived objectives, roles, and understandings about the LMS project's goals and needs was analysed using an Activity Theoretical framework. Participants were asked to reflect on their professional practice and how this aligned with what they understand the goals of other participants to be. By investigating the constraints and confluences experienced by participants, this research contributes to furthering cross disciplinary understandings and to the developing body of knowledge about more efficient ways to manage significant educational technology change.