Examines adaptation as a dynamic diffusion of innovations process in which adopters change innovations according to their individual needs. Adaptation may be explained by three factors: (a) the differing interpretation of innovation components by individual adopters, (b) an individual's level of adopter innovativeness or readiness to accept change and [c] the generative learning process whereby an individual relates new information prior knowledge and experience. Adaptation may occur unconsciously at the beginning of the diffusion process. Those who study the adaptation process should begin at the initial awareness state when potential adopters are forming their opinions and ideas about an innovation. Author uses an example involving a group of Kalahari bushmen first considering a sample of soft drink that they are told can quench thirst.
Analysis of the experience of the Grameen (rural) Bank of Bangladesh. It "represents a radical institutional innovation because it provides collateral-free loans and various social services to poor Bangladeshis yet maintains a loan recovery rate of 98 percent." Founded as an action research project in 1976, The Grameen Bank has diffused to 50 of the nation's 64 districts and has more than one million members, 92 percent of whom are women.
Uses the Cooperative Extension Service model in envisioning a system by which the U.S. Department of Education can help create and support a national education dissemination system.
Describes how the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture might serve as a model for improving the dissemination of education research and development results through the U.S. Department of Education. Author lists various features of CES that might be replicated and others that should be avoided.