Email this article Diffusion and Dissemination of Innovation in The Context of Distance Higher Education in Indonesia
This study evaluates the process of innovation diffusion and explores the characteristics of innovation dissemination patterns in distance higher education (PTJJ) in Indonesia, using the MyUT application at Universitas Terbuka (UT) as a case study. This digital innovation was designed to integrate student academic services online within a single platform. The research used an exploratory qualitative case study approach, drawing on in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation involving UT staff, regional UT managers, and students from various regions. The analysis shows that MyUT's diffusion follows Rogers’ five-stage model (knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation), mediated by geographical context, digital literacy, and organizational culture. Innovation disseminates not only through formal structural channels from the central office to regional units but is also reinforced by horizontal networks among users, including opinion leaders within student and tutor communities. The study finds that the successful adoption of MyUT depends on a combination of hierarchical and participatory approaches, along with scaffolding that supports the digital transition. These findings imply that innovation diffusion in distance higher education requires adaptive communication strategies, interactive support, and a stronger organizational culture open to digital transformation.
Keywords: diffusion, dissemination, innovation, open and distance higher education, innovation communication.
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