ERIC Number: EJ1146206
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1741-5659
EISSN: N/A
Empathic Technologies for Distance/Mobile Learning: An Empirical Research Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)
Isaias, Pedro; Reis, Francisco; Coutinho, Clara; Lencastre, Jose Alberto
Interactive Technology and Smart Education, v14 n2 p159-180 2017
Purpose: This paper examines the acceptance, of a group of 79 students, of an educational forum, used for mobile and distance learning, that has been modified to include empathic characteristics and affective principles. Design/Methodology/Approach: With this study is proposed that the introduction of empathic and affective principles in educational forums is a useful and effective way to increase students' participation and motivation in educational contexts. After an analysis of existing literature and research on the subject of empathic technology, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used as a framework for the research model. The analysis of their acceptance is done via an extended version of the UTAUT that focuses on the use of the variable attitude toward technology and uses gender, age and experience as moderators. A partial least square technique has been used to test the nine hypotheses. Findings: The results confirmed three of the nine hypotheses: performance expectancy and effort expectancy had a positive influence on the students attitudes towards empathic forums, while the effect of social influence and facilitating conditions was considered insignificant; social influence had a positive influence on the students' behavioral intention to use emphatic forums, while attitude toward technology, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and effort expectancy were considered not relevant. Originality/Value: The focus of this study was the influence of attitude toward empathic forums, used for mobile and distance learning, and the results establish the grounds for future research on attitude as an important determinant of technology acceptance.
Descriptors: Telecommunications, Handheld Devices, Distance Education, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Empathy, Student Characteristics, Affective Behavior, Student Attitudes, Gender Differences, Age Differences, Experience, Hypothesis Testing, Performance, Expectation, Influences, Intention, Online Surveys, Foreign Countries, College Students, Questionnaires, Models
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Portugal
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A