Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use for Websites Used by Students in Higher Education

Abstract

A unified framework for researching technology acceptance, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), was previously proposed and validated. The aim of this article is to explore the application UTAUT to websites used by students in higher education. Both prescribed websites and user-selected sites were studied using a non-experimental research design and questionnaire-based measures. The results support direct and moderated effects of technology-acceptance variables on acceptance outcomes in the research model, supporting UTAUT. As predicted, the research model—based on UTAUT—was more successful in explaining the acceptance of a prescribed library site than that of a prescribed virtual learning environment. The model was also successfully applied to user-selected websites. User-selected sites were especially intrinsically motivating. The effect of intrinsic motivation on performance expectancy, mediated by effort expectancy, was confirmed. The results demonstrate the broad scope of applicability of UTAUT and motivate its recommended wider use.

Factors affecting use of computer statistical applications among undergraduate students of economics in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

“…This result concurs with the findings of Van-Schaik (2009) who explored the application UTAUT to websites used by students in higher education. Although, he confirmed the effect of intrinsic motivation on performance expectancy, mediated by effort expectancy which is not consistent with the result of the study.…”

“…Literature on computer resources usage among undergraduates abound in studies (Attuquayefio and Addo, 2014;Ayankunle and Alan, 2013;Venkatesh, Thong & Xu, 2012;Van-Schaik, 2009;Marchewka, Liu, & Kostiwa, 2007). However, five among them are germane in this study.…”

“…Compared to UTAUT-1, the extensions proposed in UTAUT2 produced a substantial improvement in the variance explained in behavioural intention (56 percent to 74 percent) and technology use (40). Van-Schaik (2009) explored the application UTAUT to websites used by students in higher education. Both prescribed websites and user-selected sites were studied using a non-experimental research design and questionnaire-based measures.…”

“…UTAUT has been utilized in previous studies (Abdulwaha, & Dahalin, 2010;Van-Schaik, 2009;Marchewka, Liu & Kostiwa, 2007). Abdulwaha, & Dahalin (2010) modified it by putting forward a model with management effectiveness and program effectiveness constructs towards user acceptance of tele-centre.…”

Student Projects Involving the Analysis of Web Sites of Extremist and Extremist-Affiliated Groups in the United States

“…At present, university students use numerous Web-based systems from virtual learning environments (e.g., Blackboard, WebCT) and library information systems as well as other Web sites (Van Schaik, 2009). Nevertheless, Van Schaik (2009) underscored that content arising from these spheres must be assessed for its usability so as to better gauge student advancement and retention.…”