Technology enhanced learning acceptance among university students during Covid-19: Integrating the full spectrum of Self-Determination Theory and self-efficacy into the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

This study proposes a unified theoretical model to integrate the full spectrum of Self-Determination Theory, self-efficacy, and the Technology Acceptance Model in understanding the acceptance of technology enhanced learning among university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the proposed theoretical model, 7 hypotheses were tested to understand the acceptance of technology enhanced learning. A total of 303 university students participated in this study. The Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) ratio of correlation was applied to measure Discriminant Validity for the Covariance-Based Structural Equation Model. Based on the results, the unified theoretical model provided better insight to understanding acceptance of technology enhanced learning (R2 =.71). Intrinsic motivation (IM), amotivation, motivation, and technology enhanced self-efficacy (TELSE) were identified as significant determinants of students’ perceived ease of use (PEU). Amotivation, motivation and TELSE were significant determinants of students’ perceived usefulness (PU) towards technology enhanced learning. During the Covid-19 pandemic, students had internalised external regulation and identified regulation. The empirical results also revealed that the relationship between amotivation and PEU were moderated by gender. Gender also played a role in moderating the effects of amotivation and motivation relationships towards PU. However, the relationships between IM and motivation toward PEU and TELSE to PU were vulnerable towards the moderating effects of gender and students' field of study. In conclusion, students’ view on technology acceptance have changed since the pandemic, therefore, their participation in design, development, and implementation of learning resources is much needed than before to improve their psychological motivation.