User Acceptance of a Web-Based Information System in a Non-Voluntary Context

In this paper, we use a combination of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the literature on change management to develop and test a model predicting user acceptance of a new Web-based information system, the use of which is non-voluntary. Arguing that a non-voluntary system which transitions traditional processes to the Web constitutes an instance of a process change, we examine the role played by various change-enabling factors as well as change-motivating factors in user acceptance of the system. We find that the change enablers predict perceived ease of use, whereas the change motivators predict perceived usefulness of the system. Perceived usefulness and ease of use predict attitude toward the system, which in turn predicts behavioral intention to use the system, which predicts use of the system

The relationship between web enjoyment and student perceptions and learning using a web-based tutorial

Web enjoyment has been regarded as a component of system experience. However, there has been little targeted research considering the role of web enjoyment alone in student learning using web-based systems. To address this gap, this study aims to examine the influence of web enjoyment on learning performance and perceptions by controlling system experience as a variable in the study. 74 students participated in the study, using a web-based tutorial covering subject matter in the area of 'Computation and algorithms'. Their learning performance was assessed with a pre-test and a post-test and their learning perceptions were evaluated with a questionnaire. The results indicated that there are positive relationships between the levels of web enjoyment and perceived usefulness and non-linear navigation for users with similar, significant levels of system experience. The implications of these findings in relation to web-based learning are explored and ways in which the needs of students who report different levels of web enjoyment might be met are discussed

E-Learning acceptance in a developing country: A case of the Indonesian Open University

The rapid proliferation of the number people using the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) has been identified by many academic institutions as a potential opportunity to promote distance learning activity. E-learning has been implemented by academic institutions worldwide for decades, including the Indonesian Open University. In this study, using the Indonesian Open University or Universitas Terbuka (UT) as study setting, we investigate the factors that were believed to affect acceptance of e-learning namely, computer self-efficacy, convenience, instructor’s characteristics, instructional design, technological factors and institutional support. All these factors were examined to predict their contribution to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). From the literature, we developed a research model and eleven hypotheses. The research model was tested using structural equation modeling technique. The research findings suggest several implications and contributions to the e-learning knowledge and concept. The results provide interesting insights and suggestions. Instructional design (ID) and technological factors (TF) were shown to be strong predictors of both perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU). Consistent with prior studies, CSE was confirmed to predict perceived usefulness. Other variables; convenience (CONV) and instructor’s characteristics (IC) are found to be non-significant factors for perceived ease of use (PEOU). Perceived ease of use was found to be a strong predictor of perceived usefulness and intention to use

Multifaceted open social learner modelling

Open social learner modelling (OSLM) approaches are promoted in order to assist learners in self-directed and self-determined learning in a social context. Still, most approaches only focus on visualising learners’ performance, or providing complex tools for social navigation. Our proposal, additionally, emphasises the importance of visualising both learners’ performance and their contribution to a learning community. We seek also to seamlessly integrate OSLM with learning contents, in order for the multifaceted OSLM’s prospect for ubiquity and context-awareness to enrich the adaptive potential of social e-learning systems. This paper thus presents the design of multifaceted OSLM by introducing novel, personalised social interaction features into Topolor, a social personalised adaptive e-learning environment. The umbrella target is to create and study aspects of open social learner models. An experimental study is conducted to analyse the impact of the newly introduced features. The results are finally concluded to suggest future research and further improvements

ICTE and E-Learning: The Case of Private Higher Education Institutions in Morocco

The objective of this research is to identify the factors that influence students' attitudes towards the use of information technology and communication for education (ICTE) in their online learning activities, by using several models, specifically in private higher education in Morocco. Several models have been used to examine the determinants of students' behavioral intention to use ICT in the learning process. Some of these popular models include the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its extension, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT). In this research, the methodology used is that of a structural equation model in empirical testing and validation of the different hypotheses of our model based on a sample of 400 private higher education students and with the use of software tools for this purpose. The results showed that the intent of learners to use ICT for distance learning was significantly positively influenced by perceived usefulness, ICT quality, ICT output quality, ease of use, and hedonic motivation. Contrary to our previous expectations, facilitative conditions and social influence had no influence on the intention to use. Theoretically, this research aims to contribute to an improved understanding of the determinants of ICTE adoption by learners, by proposing a model that is part of a socio-technical analysis framework. Thus, the expected impact on management objectives is important. Managers will have a good tool, easy and quick to implement, allowing them to evaluate either one or all of the to evaluate either one or all of the variables in the model. The proposed model aims to identify not only the variables operationalized for ICT in a private higher education institution, but should also provide insight into the pathway that leads to its use by learners. The model can be contextualized within Moroccan public universities, contextualized at the regional level in the kingdom, our model can also be studied in other Arab or African countries or those with similar economies. The major limitations of our research are firstly the use of a conceptual model insufficiently based on causal relationships and secondly the failure to use moderating variables (age, level of education, experience)   JEL Classification: A2 Paper type: Empirical researchThe objective of this research is to identify the factors that influence students' attitudes towards the use of information technology and communication for education (ICTE) in their online learning activities, by using several models, specifically in private higher education in Morocco. Several models have been used to examine the determinants of students' behavioral intention to use ICT in the learning process. Some of these popular models include the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its extension, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT). In this research, the methodology used is that of a structural equation model in empirical testing and validation of the different hypotheses of our model based on a sample of 400 private higher education students and with the use of software tools for this purpose. The results showed that the intent of learners to use ICT for distance learning was significantly positively influenced by perceived usefulness, ICT quality, ICT output quality, ease of use, and hedonic motivation. Contrary to our previous expectations, facilitative conditions and social influence had no influence on the intention to use. Theoretically, this research aims to contribute to an improved understanding of the determinants of ICTE adoption by learners, by proposing a model that is part of a socio-technical analysis framework. Thus, the expected impact on management objectives is important. Managers will have a good tool, easy and quick to implement, allowing them to evaluate either one or all of the to evaluate either one or all of the variables in the model. The proposed model aims to identify not only the variables operationalized for ICT in a private higher education institution, but should also provide insight into the pathway that leads to its use by learners. The model can be contextualized within Moroccan public universities, contextualized at the regional level in the kingdom, our model can also be studied in other Arab or African countries or those with similar economies. The major limitations of our research are firstly the use of a conceptual model insufficiently based on causal relationships and secondly the failure to use moderating variables (age, level of education, experience)   JEL Classification: A2 Paper type: Empirical researc

Proceedings of the International Workshop on EuroPLOT Persuasive Technology for Learning, Education and Teaching (IWEPLET 2013)

"This book contains the proceedings of the International Workshop on EuroPLOT Persuasive Technology for Learning, Education and Teaching (IWEPLET) 2013 which was held on 16.-17.September 2013 in Paphos (Cyprus) in conjunction with the EC-TEL conference. The workshop and hence the proceedings are divided in two parts: on Day 1 the EuroPLOT project and its results are introduced, with papers about the specific case studies and their evaluation. On Day 2, peer-reviewed papers are presented which address specific topics and issues going beyond the EuroPLOT scope. This workshop is one of the deliverables (D 2.6) of the EuroPLOT project, which has been funded from November 2010 – October 2013 by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission through the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLL) by grant #511633. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate Persuasive Learning Objects and Technologies (PLOTS), based on ideas of BJ Fogg. The purpose of this workshop is to summarize the findings obtained during this project and disseminate them to an interested audience. Furthermore, it shall foster discussions about the future of persuasive technology and design in the context of learning, education and teaching. The international community working in this area of research is relatively small. Nevertheless, we have received a number of high-quality submissions which went through a peer-review process before being selected for presentation and publication. We hope that the information found in this book is useful to the reader and that more interest in this novel approach of persuasive design for teaching/education/learning is stimulated. We are very grateful to the organisers of EC-TEL 2013 for allowing to host IWEPLET 2013 within their organisational facilities which helped us a lot in preparing this event. I am also very grateful to everyone in the EuroPLOT team for collaborating so effectively in these three years towards creating excellent outputs, and for being such a nice group with a very positive spirit also beyond work. And finally I would like to thank the EACEA for providing the financial resources for the EuroPLOT project and for being very helpful when needed. This funding made it possible to organise the IWEPLET workshop without charging a fee from the participants.

Factors Influencing Instructors’ Adoption and Continued Use of Computing Science Technologies: A Case Study in the Context of Cell Collective

Acquiring computational modeling and simulation skills has become ever more critical for students in life sciences courses at the secondary and tertiary levels. Many modeling and simulation tools have been created to help instructors nurture those skills in their classrooms. Understanding the factors that may motivate instructors to use such tools is crucial to improve students’ learning, especially for having authentic modeling and simulation learning experiences. This study designed and tested a decomposed technology acceptance model in which the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use constructs are split between the teaching and learning sides of the technology to examine their relative weight in a single model. Using data from instructors using the Cell Collective modeling and simulation software, this study found that the relationship between perceived usefulness– teaching and attitude toward behavior was insignificant. Similarly, all relationships between perceived ease of use–teaching and the other variables (i.e., perceived usefulness– teaching and attitude toward behavior) became insignificant. In contrast, we found the relationships between perceived ease of use–learning and the other variables (i.e., perceived usefulness–teaching, perceived usefulness–learning, and attitude toward behavior) significant. These results suggest that priority should be given to the development of features improving learning over features facilitating teaching. Supplement attached below