The micro and the macro

In response to this request to a VLE discussion list -

> I am a new researcher and I want to do a ! research about using VLE to increase the use of ICT by university teachers in a university.
> I am going to deliver ICT and VLE skills course in a continuing professional programme via VLE (Moodle).
> I need your help and suggestions about
>
> What are the ICT skills should I teach them?
>
> What are the VLE skills should I have in my model to teach them?.

This interesting answer...

Assess the needs of the university and diagnose your teachers' population to establish what kind of skills and attitudes they have developed concerning the use of technology in Education. One of the most difficult aspects to address in these kind of trainings is the resistance of faculty members to use VLEs as part of their regular classes. You may organize excellent workshops to teach how to use tools available on Moodle, but having teachers actually adopting them as part of their regular classes is really hard work. Teaching practices that have been established over a long time and "proved effective" are difficult to change and many experienced university teachers believe that the load of extra-work involved in the organization of online learning experiences just doesn't pay off in terms of improved learning outcomes. You have to show them practical examples of what kind of benefits they could have if they adopt a VLE-based methodology and be creative on motivational aspects. If you accomplish this, I believe you will have set the conditions for the development of a new technological culture at your university, which ultimately will lead to a more sustainable adoption of VLEs in regular classes.

Mmm. But, this doesn't address the Macro level. Why would an academic in a research-led University spend very much time at all on teaching? What's the pay-off?