University Instructors' Acceptance of Electronic Courseware: An Application of the Technology Acceptance Model

ABSTRACT

This study examines the factors that influence instructors' adoption and use of an Internet-based course management system and tests the applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), introduced by Davis (1986), in the context of e-learning practices in higher education. Using data from an online survey of a university's instructors (N= 191), a path analysis revealed that perceived ease of use of the system had a significant impact on perceived usefulness as the TAM suggested. In addition, a direct effect of perceived usefulness on behavioral intention to use and an indirect effect of the variable on actual system use, both of which were proposed in the TAM, were also found. Further, motivation to use the system played a significant role in affecting perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, evaluation of functions, current system use, and behavioral intention to keep using the system. This study suggests that integration of the TAM and the uses and gratification approach can be fruitful for future research on the diffusion of Internet-based technological systems.