An Empirical Study on E-book Usage Intention – Perspective of International Students Studying in Thailand

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the intention of using e-book among the international students studying in Thailand. The paper adopts Technology Acceptance Model to comprehend the association between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes, and intention to use ebook for their studies. The study further considers trust as a moderating effect on the attitude of adopting e-book. The data was collected from international students studying in a private university in Thailand. A structural equation model (SEM) was done to understand the association between the constructs. The SEM results reveal that all the relationships are positively associated except that trust's moderating effect is negatively associated with perceived ease of use and attitudes. The results are helpful for the policymakers and administrators in the university in adopting e-book platforms for their students.

Determinants of E-books Usage of Undergraduates; With Special Reference to Faculty of Commerce and Managment Studies, University of Kelaniya

“…According to Tao's (2008) study, perceived usefulness is crucial in affecting student attitudes toward using e-resources. According to Nelson and Webb (2007), perceived usefulness is a strong predictor of future ebook usage by students (Farzana et al, 2021).…”

“…Furthermore, according to Nelson and Webb (2007), perceived ease of use correlates with students' attitudes and intentions to utilize e-books. As a result, perceived ease of use aids in developing a positive attitude toward using e-books among students (Farzana et al, 2021). Malhotra (1996) defines behavioral intention use as a strength that measures someone's intention to perform a specified behavior.…”

“…When users positively intend to utilize e-books, they will search the internet for more information and compare prices before purchasing. Past scholars (Chiu & Wang, 2008;Lee, 2006;Roca & Gagne'b, 2008) have found that perceived ease of use and usefulness impact increased intention to adopt or use e-learning resources among users (Farzana et al, 2021).…”