An Empirical Study of Online Discussion Forums by Library and Information Science Postgraduate Students using Technology Acceptance Model 3

Abstract

E-learning is an important trend globally that is believed to enhance the acquisition of knowledge by students within and outside the classroom to improve their academic pursuit. The Online Discussion Forum (ODF) is one of the tools that are used for e-learning in Nigerian universities. It facilitates interaction among postgraduate students as they can communicate and share information sources with one another to promote learning. However, the optimum use of this forum is determined by anchor factors in TAM 3 such as computer self-efficacy, perceptions of external control, computer anxiety and computer playfulness. A conceptual model based on TAM 3 was proposed and empirically tested. Using a survey research design and an online questionnaire for 121 Library and Information Science (LIS) postgraduate students, the paper demonstrated that computer self-efficacy, perceptions of external control, computer anxiety and computer playfulness have significant influence on the use of ODF.

Factors Influencing Smartphone Adoption: A Study in the Indian Bottom of the Pyramid Context

“…We could not find any significant negative relationship between 'SA' and 'BI'. Though Baishya, Samalia, and Joshi (2017) found similar results in the study of e-governance adoption, this result is contradictory to some of the previous empirical research (Adetimirin, 2015;Alenezi et al, 2010;Elasmar & Carter, 1996;Nagar & Gandotra, 2016;Tung & Chang, 2008). Our result of the relationship between 'SA' and 'BI' is even contradictory to the general perception that anxiety is supposed to impact the BOP segment more as compared to other segments while choosing a product or technology.…”

“…Bandura (1986) considered 'self-efficacy' as a predictor of BI. The direct relationship of 'self-efficacy' and 'BI' is empirically evident in earlier research (Adetimirin, 2015;Alenezi et al, 2010;Chen, Lin, Yeh, & Lou, 2013;Tung & Chang, 2008). At the same time, some literature opposed the direct relationship between these two constructs and claimed that 'perceived ease of use' mediates the effect of 'self-efficacy' on 'BI' (Venkatesh & Bala, 2008;Venkatesh et al, 2003).…”

“…Bandura (1986) considered 'anxiety' as a predictor of BI. Multiple studies have empirically established the direct relationship between 'anxiety' and 'BI' (Adetimirin, 2015;Alenezi, Karim, & Veloo, 2010;Elasmar & Carter, 1996;Tung & Chang, 2008). Nagar and Gandotra (2016) explored this relationship in the context of Internet shopping and established that 'anxiety' has a negative impact on 'patronage intention'.…”

What to expect, and how to improve online discussion forums: the instructors’ perspective

“…for example, they have difficulty knowing whom they are responding to and how they are responding in the forum" [I1]. This difficulty was also observed by Adetimirin [27], who states that many participants respond incorrectly or do not obey the structure set by the tool. According to Saramago [28], the use of a complex structure harms participation, since reading and writing become more difficult.…”

Presentation of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model in Sports Organizations

“…2), it can be concluded that technology anxiety has a decreasing effect on the TAM, and it seems that it acts as a deterrent to technology acceptance. The results of (27) and (75) showed Higher points in anxiety lead to negative AT, and lower EOU of information technology, thus leading to a lower use of information technology. The findings of the present study affirm the same points.…”