FRAMEWORK AND VERIFICATION OF A BLENDED E-LEARNING SYSTEM BEHAVIORAL INTENTION MODEL AMONG CLINICAL NURSES

Abstract

As the various applications of Internet and information communication technology (ICT) grow rapidly, the education and hospital institutions provide more distance learning programs, which also makes the research on e-learning more important. However, disadvantages in e-learning have been identified. Blended e-learning systems (BELSs) are considered effective alternative learning approaches. This research proposes a conceptual model to explain the factors affecting nurses’ behavioral intention to use a blended e-learning system (BELS). This research integrated perceived risk and the technology acceptance model to hypothesize a theoretical model for explaining and predicting learners’ behavioral intention to use a BELS. Self-report questionnaires were distributed to local community hospitals, regional hospitals, and medical centers in Central Taiwan. To confirm this research hypothesis, data were collected 682 nurses, with a response rate of 97.4%. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the results show that perceived risk, perceived ease of use, and attitude influenced BELS behavioral intention. Perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness substantially influenced use attitude. In addition, the path coefficient of perceived risk on attitude was non-significant. On the basis of the results, hospital institutions can devise better strategies for developing their blended e-learning system. Key words: nurses education, blended learning, technology acceptance model, nurse perceptions, structural equation model.