Exploring EFL Learners’ Technology Acceptance in Online Learning in Collaborative Education Programs

Abstract

Higher education in the world is increasingly supported by the rapid developing technology, and it is worthwhile to investigate the implementation of online teaching. Empirical study on learner’s acceptance of online study is thus pragmatic in necessitating further development of such technological circumstances. This study focuses on the investigation of undergraduates in collaborative programs in a South China city to explore their readiness in online learning under the framework of the technology acceptance model. A questionnaire survey was conducted online to access factors influencing learners’ technology acceptance and usage. The results found significant positive relationships between technology self-efficacy and perceived ease of use, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, perceived usefulness and both attitude towards use and intention to use, as well as between perceived ease of use and attitude towards use. Such findings indicate that ease of use and usefulness significantly shape EFL learners’ attitudes and intentions towards technology in collaborative setting, with self-efficacy being crucial in facilitating a positive perception of technology. However, the relationship between attitudes and intention to use did not align with expectations, indicating that learner attitude may not straightforwardly predict learner intention in collaborative programs.