Managing User Acceptance and Use of Technology in Higher Education: An Empirical Study

Abstract

This research contributes to the ongoing multi-cultural empirical research on the applications of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Specifically, the hypothesized research model is based on the modified technology acceptance model (TAM2). The study examines the factors that affect students' perception towards the use and acceptance of technology in higher education in Middle East and Arabian gulf countries using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample studied consists of 152 students from the New York Institute of Technology Campus. A new construct (faculty emphasis (FE)) is tested. The results reveal that perceptions of internal control (PIC) and perceptions of external control (PEC) have a significant impact on perceived ease of use (PEOU). Perceived ease of use (PEOU) and faculty emphasis (FE) have significant impact on the perceived usefulness (PU) which, in turn, significantly affects students' intention to use technology (ITU). This study is considered the first in the Middle East. Several practical and theoretical implications of the study are discussed.