Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
6-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Organizational Leadership
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Leah Wickersham-Fish
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Frank Rojas
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Laura Bittner
Abstract
Integrating technology into youth development programs like 4-H is increasingly vital for enhancing communication, education, and engagement. However, technology adoption among 4-H volunteers remains inconsistent. This qualitative study explored the barriers to technology adoption among New Mexico 4-H volunteers. The researcher aimed to understand the factors influencing their willingness and ability to integrate digital tools into their volunteer roles. Guided by Rogers’s (2003) diffusion of innovation theory and framed by Creswell and Poth’s (2024) qualitative research design, this study employed semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of 4-H volunteers across the state. Following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six- phase approach, the researcher used thematic analysis to identify key themes related to technological access, training, perceptions, and organizational support. Findings reveal a complex interplay of individual, organizational, and contextual factors that hinder or facilitate technology use. Insights from this research can inform targeted strategies to support volunteers, bridge the digital divide, and ultimately enhance the reach and impact of 4-H programming in New Mexico.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Hinrichs, Kayla Dawn, "Exploring New Mexico 4-H Volunteers’ Acceptance and Use of Technology: A Qualitative Approach" (2025). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 914.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/914