This study evaluated the acceptance and use of a virtual learning environment in higher education by using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. Study data were collected by means of a questionnaire form, completed by 1032 students receiving undergraduate education in Turkey and the United Kingdom, who currently use similar virtual learning environments. The role of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions were evaluated and tested for both countries. The study results demonstrated that the behavioral intention and use behavior regarding the utilization of a virtual learning environment in higher education differed between the two countries, and that the level of impact of the factors that shape behavioral intention and use behavior also differed from one factor to another.Keywords: Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), Technology adoption, Virtual learning environment (VLE), Turkey, United Kingdom
Significance statementWhile the fast progress in technology has been continuing, the transfer of improved technologies into different application fields has become a current issue. In parallel with the accelerated technological innovations, the utilization of technology in educational processes has also increased. Hence, the studies focusing on the acceptance and utilization of these technologies particularly by students have come into prominence. The key motivation of the present study, which investigates the different models dealing with the acceptance and utilization of information systems in the literature, is to determine the student acceptance and utilization of a virtual learning system based on a pre-tested model. Building on similar virtual learning systems in two public universities-one is in Turkey and the other is in the UK-this research aims to reveal the students' intentions to utilize the system and also determine similarities and differences in their behaviours in using the system.