Case Study on the Impact of Technology on Incivility in Higher Education

A qualitative case study research design provided an in-depth perspective of the participants in relation to understanding the holistic impact technology has on the incivility of student-to- student and student-to-faculty interactions in higher education. The conceptual framework by Twale and Deluca (2008), based upon Salin’s (2003) proposed model for bullying, is detailed. Participants were doctoral students (n=17) who are full-time professionals in higher education. The participants were given open-ended questions regarding technology and incivility. Access and ethical considerations are detailed. Participants’ detailed written responses were analyzed as outlined by Yin (2003). Four themes emerged from the data analysis; reported causes, reported outcomes, relationship types of participants, and ways to reduce technology’s impact on incivility. Technology use and incivility in higher education are both increasing. This study is important in understanding the views of students and perceptions of the causes, impact, and ways to decrease incivility.