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This article presents an examination of the technological components of the online sexual grooming abuse process. While much of the existing literature on online grooming and child exploitation focuses on the broader behavioral patterns of offenders, our study examines the specific affordances of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that enable and exacerbate these behaviors. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we conducted a digital forensic analysis of 371 URL links obtained from two studies with active online groomers. The analysis reveals that online groomers use URLs to engage in social engineering, distribute malware, solicit Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and share images. These findings suggests that previous models and stage descriptions of the online grooming process overlook how different ICT tools can be adopted and adapted to facilitate the online grooming and abuse process. We draw on the technology acceptance model to explain that the perceived affordances of a platform, particularly those that facilitate covert or malicious activities, are likely to influence offenders' choices in using these ICTs. The implications of these findings extend to theoretical, methodological, and policy considerations. • Digital forensic examination of URLs received from active online groomers. • Exploration of online sexual grooming technological pathway. • Offering explanation on online groomers choice to use ICT using technology acceptance model. • Theoretical, methodological, and policy considerations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile apps are effective tools for administering health interventions and changing user behaviors in key lifestyle areas, such as physical activity, but the attrition rates of fitness app users are high. To understand how to increase user retention rates, the present study draws from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and investigates the role of exercise self-efficacy, in addition to the original TAM constructs, namely, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment, in predicting current users' intention to continue using the apps. Moreover, this study extends TAM from a human-technology interaction perspective by elucidating the antecedents of perceived usefulness in terms of specific functions provided by fitness mobile apps. Samples were drawn from a large online Chinese subject pool to test the hypotheses via a survey (N = 449). The results showed that four technological functions—instruction provision, self-monitoring, self-regulation, and goal attainment—had an indirect effect on continuance intention through perceived usefulness, and this indirect effect was moderated by exercise self-efficacy such that the association between perceived usefulness and continuance intention was stronger for those with low exercise self-efficacy. • Four technological functions had an indirect effect on continuance intention through perceived usefulness. • This indirect effect was moderated by exercise self-efficacy. • Perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment also predicted continuance intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented reality (AR) tools are poised to have great potential for organizations when it comes to complex processes in the field of industrial applications – like construction or maintenance in the automotive industry. The human-centred technology displays context-specific 3-D information in a real environment related to a specific targeted object. Immersive experiences are expected to boost task efficiency, the quality of training and maintenance purposes. However, ready-for-market AR tools are still rarely used and benefits seldom demonstrated. This paper focuses on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that are able to benchmark the impact of using ready-for-market AR tools on automotive maintenance performance. After a comprehensive literature review on the benefits of AR for several industrial applications in design, education and training, KPIs were extracted and evaluated by experts from the automotive industry. They were used in an empirical study – based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) – with users evaluating the KPIs before and after training situations. In addition, ‘Perceived Usefulness’ and ‘Intention to Use’ were investigated. Significant enhancements of all KPIs were observed and novice users were identified as a potential target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the determinant factors related to the use of a serious game in teaching accounting, namely DEBORAH Game. After presenting this game to undergraduate accounting students, we collected data regarding their perception of its use. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, the main results suggest that the acceptance of contemporary tools used in accounting courses relies on the perceived usefulness of the game and on the interaction of students with colleagues, rather than effort expectancy. The results of this study are relevant to understanding accounting students’ acceptance of technologies, because accounting professionals will need to adopt technology to develop their activities after their undergraduate courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users' acceptance of new technologies in schools or companies is a critical challenge in modern society. In this study, we used self-reported intentional measures, an objective measure of actual behavior, namely university students' use of a new virtual learning environment platform, and a measure of their implicit attitude towards technology which we compared with two classic acceptance models (TPB, Theory of Planned Behavior; and TAM, Technology Acceptance Model). Our findings indicated that TPB was a better predictor of the intention to use the platform than TAM, but both models failed to predict actual behavior. On the contrary, implicit measures were linked to the degree to which the students explored the platform but not to their reported intention to use it. Taken together, these results provide a first argument for considering implicit measures in the field of technology acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to analyze the impact of consumer technological and fashion innovativeness on usage intention to use a fashion image search app. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which was proven quite robust, the study introduced an additional variable of playfulness to verify the relationship between variables related to technological innovativeness and fashion innovativeness. Consumers with a high degree of technological innovativeness tended to find the fashion app easy to use, derived enjoyment from using it, and adopted it if the app is useful. However, those with a high degree of fashion innovativeness adopted the fashion service simply because it was fun to use rather than beneficial or useful. In addition, this study analyzed the differences in acceptance with respect to cohort group, particularly regarding “millennial” consumers compared to their mature counterparts. The results of this research improved understanding of the generational differences in accepting innovative marketing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study conducted in the University of Salamanca, on the behavioral intention of using mobile devices within the future teaching practice of pre-service primary education teachers. To this end we elaborated a technology adoption model based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), to which we incorporated the constructs of self-efficacy and mobile anxiety. The study consisted of 678 participants from the Primary Education Teacher Bachelor's Degree at said university. The model was examined with the PLS-SEM technique. The analysis supported all the relational hypotheses proposed, and suggested that the stronger relationships were those established between perceived usefulness and behavioral intention, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, and self-efficacy and perceived ease of use. The multi-group analysis barely yielded any significant differences at a structural level controlling for gender and course year. However, we did find some significant differences between mean scores at an indicator level. The PLS-POS analysis of unobserved heterogeneity identified two groups with significant differences in their path coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is designed to investigate factors influencing undergraduate students' continuance intention to use blogs for learning in a management information systems course. Constructs from three theoretical frameworks, i.e., social-cognitive theory, technology acceptance model, and motivation theory were used to guide the study. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect usable data from 108 undergraduate students in a Canadian university. Relevant hypotheses were formulated and tested using the partial least squares technique. The results indicate that perceived self-efficacy, personal outcome expectations, and perceived support for enhancing social ties are pertinent antecedents to students' initial acceptance of blog use for learning. The intrinsic motivational factor of perceived playfulness has a significant effect on students' blog continuance usage intention as does attitude toward blog use for learning. The implications of the study's findings for practice and research are discussed, and avenues for future research outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile-Based Assessment (MBA) is an alternative or complementary to paper- or computer-based assessment delivery mode. Its successful implementation depends on users' acceptance. However, no study exists exploring the factors that influence students' acceptance of mobile-based assessment. Furthermore, research that combines acceptance with motivational factors is limited. The current study builds on the theoretical framework of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) of Motivation and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and proposes the Mobile Based Assessment - Motivational and Acceptance Model (MBA-MAM), a combined model that explains and predicts Behavioral Intention to Use Mobile-based Assessment. One-hundred and forty students (N = 140) from a European senior-level secondary school participated in mobile-assisted assessment activities and self-reported their perceptions about ΜΒΑ afterwards. Structured equation modeling used to analyze quantitative survey data. The study confirmed the proposed model, explaining and predicting students’ intention to use MBA in terms of both acceptance and motivational (autonomy, competence and relatedness) factors. The study provides a better understanding towards the development of mobile-based assessments by relating acceptance and motivational factors into an integrated model. Implications are discussed within the wider context of mobile learning acceptance research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable fitness technologies (WFT) track physical activity, such as steps taken, calories burned and workout intensity, through a device that is typically worn at all times. While the market for WFT devices continues to grow, current theoretical understanding of adoption is lacking. Thus, in an attempt to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the current study employs a structural equation model to increase current understanding of wearable technology use. Further, to better understand the outcome of WFT use, the current study examines the relationship among health related outcomes of WFT use such as overall exercise behavior and perceptions of health. Results support the TAM and WFT use was significantly related to perceived health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile financial services (MFS) have become a critical issue in the financial sectors. An expanding application of mobile commerce, MFS play an important role in managing customer relationships. Thus, we proposed a model that incorporates three external variables—perceived enjoyment, perceived mobility, and personal habit—into the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the antecedents that influence continued usage intention in MFS. In addition, we examined the moderating effect of gender on customer relationships. Structural equation modeling was used, and 368 MFS users were investigated. The findings revealed that perceived mobility, personal habit, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use are the major antecedents that influence continued usage intention in MFS. However, perceived enjoyment is not significantly associated with intention. Moreover, gender moderates the relationships between the variables in the proposed model. Perceived mobility affecting usage intention will be stronger for men than for women, whereas personal habit affecting usage intention will be stronger for women than for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponsored advertising has generated strong advertising revenues for Facebook in recent years. As sponsored ads are built on an interactive platform that could be seen as invasive to user privacy, the growth of this advertising platform has important implications for consumers, and advertisers alike. As little research is available on consumer response to sponsored advertising as an interactive technology innovation, the current study assesses the effects of user perceptions of privacy risk, intrusiveness concerns and utilities of sponsored advertising on consumer attitudes and purchase intent. Testing a model derived form the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study found that privacy and intrusiveness concerns are both valid antecedent variables to perceived usefulness but not perceived ease of use of sponsored advertising. While both antecedent variables also influence consumer attitudes toward sponsored advertising, only privacy concerns have an impact product purchase intentions. The hypothesized relations between perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitudes and purchase intentions were also validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engagement with e-portfolios has been shown to improve students’ learning. However, what influences students to accept e-portfolios is a question that needs careful study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of Self-Efficacy, Subjective Norm, Enjoyment, Computer Anxiety and Experience on students’ Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) of an e-portfolio system and their Behavioural Intention (BI) to use the system for learning. To do this, the study tested and used the General Extended Technology Acceptance Model for E-Learning (GETAMEL) in the context of e-portfolios. Valid data were collected from 242 UK undergraduate students who had been introduced to e-portfolios. The data set was analysed using SPSS software. Results showed that the best predictor of student’s Perceived Ease of Use of the e-portfolio is Experience, followed by Enjoyment, Self-Efficacy and Subjective Norm. The best predictor of student’s Perceived Usefulness of the e-portfolio is Perceived Ease of Use followed by Enjoyment. Both Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness predict student’s Behavioural Intention to Use the e-portfolio. The findings improve understanding regarding acceptance of e-portfolio systems and this work is therefore of particular interest to researchers, developers and practitioners of e-portfolios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the proliferation in understanding older adults’ acceptance and limitations of Internet technology, the learning needs of older adults living in low Internet usage areas and their acceptance of touchscreen-based apps have lagged behind. This study describes an embedded mixed-method research evaluation of an eight-week touchscreen mobile device training for thirty-nine older adults who were recruited from a community center in a low Internet usage area in southern Taiwan. Among the participants, 20 completed both the pre-test and the post-test and 16 attended the focus group interviews. The design of the training course was based on constructs informed by the diffusion of innovation theory and the technology acceptance model, and it incorporated both a classroom-based and small group tutoring approach. After the training session, the participants reported significantly lower depressive symptom scores compared to baseline. Qualitative interviews reveal the participants’ learning needs related to extended practice, usefulness, and compatibility in adopting touch-screen apps. Findings from this study shed light on the possibility of touchscreen-based apps, including health-, entertainment-, transportation-, and social media-related apps, for improving psychological well-being in older adults with limited Internet experience living in the community. Discussion on their learning needs was also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the most commonly used external factors of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of e-learning adoption, a quantitative meta-analysis of 107 papers covering the last ten years was performed. The results show that Self-Efficacy, Subjective Norm, Enjoyment, Computer Anxiety and Experience are the most commonly used external factors of TAM. The effects of these commonly used external factors on TAM's two main constructs, Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU), have been studied across a range of e-learning technology types and e-learning user types. The results show that the best predictor of student's PEOU of e-learning systems is Self-Efficacy (β = 0.352), followed by Enjoyment (β = 0.341), Experience (β = 0.221), Computer Anxiety (β = −0.199) and Subjective Norm (β = 0.195). The best predictor of student's PU of e-learning systems is Enjoyment (β = 0.452), followed by Subjective Norm (β = 0.301), Self-Efficacy (β = 0.174) and Experience (β = 0.169). Using these external factors and their effect sizes on PEOU and PU, this study proposes a General Extended Technology Acceptance Model for E-Learning (GETAMEL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a world awash with digital media, employers in mass communication professions are increasingly searching for and hiring employees with both traditional and new media production skills. As such, post-secondary institutions have, en masse, begun to incorporate instruction on multimedia production into their curricula. Despite this widespread integration of new media into coursework, administrators, instructors, and students are still searching for best practices as they relate to efficient and effective delivery of instruction. In light of such needs, this study used the technological acceptance model and structural equation modeling to explore, on a longitudinal basis, the psychological factors that influence mass communication students’ adoption of new media production technologies. Our results demonstrated that subjective, normative influences play an increasingly powerful role in student adoption decisions over time. Furthermore, the data indicated that usefulness perceptions were the strongest predictor of student decisions to adopt new media production technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, mobile learning has been more strongly developed within the field of informal education. However, in the past few years there has been a growing interest for the integration of these technologies in the formal education field. Among the key elements needed to successfully achieve this integration process is the acceptance of mobile technologies by the teaching body. In this paper we propose to identify the determining constructs that explain the teachers’ intention of using mobile technologies. To this end we have designed a research model based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), expanded with constructs from other theories. The resulting model was subjected to a content validation process performed by a committee of experts. Lastly, we selected nine constructs for the development of the research model and we formulated 13 hypotheses that describe the relationships among them. Further studies on the research model to extend its validity and reliability are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to expand the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) in the research of different aspects of acceptance of software packages used for statistical analysis (SPSS), by including three factors: perceived support from the teacher, perceived compatibility with the academic needs of students of economics and business and perceived usefulness of statistics. The study shows that (i) the perceived usefulness of statistics plays an important role in perceiving the usefulness of SPSS and the ease of its use; (ii) support of teacher significantly contributes to the easier use of SPSS; (iii) that perceived compatibility with the academic needs of students positively impacts the perceived usefulness of SPSS and the intention to use it in the future, and (iv) higher the perceived ease of use of SPSS, higher on average its perceived usefulness. We also found that there are almost no significant differences between the conceptual model for undergraduate and postgraduate students. However we found that there are statistically significant differences between undergraduate and postgraduate students regarding perception of the usefulness of SPSS and usefulness of statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud computing is a huge and important change in the field of network application in recent years to provide users with a completely different IT service and delivery mode. Among various cloud services, cloud storage is a service most closely related to web users’ need because it involves the storage of users’ all important data and backup files. In this study, a sample survey was conducted in Taiwan, and key factors influencing individual users’ adoption of the cloud storage service were analyzed and discussed based on Task-Technology Fit theory. The research results indicate that “cloud storage service”, “unstructured task”, “cloud storage self-efficacy” and “opinion of reference groups” all have significant positive influences on the “perceived usefulness”, which further has influence on users’ continuance intention to use the cloud storage service. The findings also support that the privacy protection risk and the lack of privacy-policy risk in the cloud storage service produce negative moderating effects on the perceived usefulness and the continuance intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the influence of the Green Information Technology (GIT), using their potential to reduce the negative impact of the exhaust emission produced by light-duty vehicles, attending verification compliance to circulate in urban areas, is the main topic of the present contribution. Data collected through surveys answered by car owners in Mexico City, place the attention over the knowledge of the official exhaust emission test, their general acceptance, and the understanding of the exhaust test context, once they have received information from the proposed GIT (pGIT). The surveys consider the behavioral intention, attitude toward behavior, perceived usefulness, social influence and volitional control constructs to estimate response of car owners to the concerns about the pollutant emission and their willingness to change their position toward the pollutant emission reduction. The results show the interest of car owners to participate in a collaborative process, and develop positive attitude to cooperate in a social dilemma by considering the use of social networking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented reality (AR) is being developed as a part of smart tourism to provide information about destinations and attractions. Its usage will maximize tourist satisfaction, based on tourists’ active usage. Three aspects have been found to be factors encouraging tourists to actively utilize AR. The first aspect is technology readiness (TR) meaning that a tourist has an overall state of mind such that they are ready to use a technology. The second aspect is the visual factor of AR. The third aspect is the situational factor. Thus, this study conceptualizes these crucial factors of AR usage as well as how these influence visitors’ AR usage intention and destination visit intention through their beliefs and AR attitude. We collected sample from 145 people using an AR application in Deoksugung Palace, South Korea. This study analyzed hypotheses with structural equation model. The result shows that TR was a predictor of perceived usefulness. In addition, visual appeal and facilitating conditions affected perceived ease of use. Perceived ease of use affected perceived usefulness. Finally, perceived usefulness and ease of use affected intention to use AR and to visit a destination via AR attitude. This study presented theoretical and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This detailed literature review has considered a relatively large quantity (152 total) of scholarly empirical publications, conference proceedings, books and popular market reports published over the last 15 years, i.e., from January 2000 to December 2014, in the field of human continuous usage behavior and in the context of information technology/systems. Based on the search results, the literature was synthesized, segregated into four major domains according to the purpose, nature and usage of the information technology/systems. The authors believe that this segregation within the information technology & systems continuous usage literature provides greater scalability, flexibility and space for future research. Moreover, this proposed segregation allows for future research to include more ‘systems’ in each category depending on the usage, relevance and nature of the ‘systems’ that will evolve over the period of time. Scalability will provide more insights and ideas that will help future research investigate and propose domain-specific conceptual or business models that will help facilitate an understanding of information technology/systems continuous usage according to the nature of the ‘system.’ Conclusions and recommendations are drawn and priorities are proposed for continuing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open Source Software (OSS) is an alternative to proprietary software. It is growing in popularity, which has brought about an increase in research interest. Most of the research studies have focused on identifying individual personal motives for participating in the development of an OSS project, analyzing specific solutions, or the OSS movement, itself. No studies have been found which have undertaken research on the impact of user experience and training on OSS. The study reported here sought to identify factors that predict acceptance of technologies based on OSS after training in these solutions. A research model based on the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989) was developed. Furthermore, the possible moderating effects of users’ gender, age and level of education were analyzed. It was found that external determinants such as user training, user fit, technological complexity and trainers’ support were important indicators in the success of adopting these solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent mobile and Internet applications have made possible the development of ubiquitous learning (U-learning). One such application is social networks, which allow people to create and exchange information with each other in a collaborative manner, and these are especially popular with so-called “digital natives,” who have grown up using such technologies. This study thus explores the behavioral models associated with using social network websites in a U-learning context. To carry out a more comprehensive investigation, a modified technology acceptance model (TAM) is developed, augmented with external factors, including collective efficacy and personal innovativeness in information technology (PIIT). This model is then used to examine the influential factors in students’ use of social networks to learn, and also to evaluate their learning attitudes and usage effects. This study collected 321 valid questionnaires and used them to test the proposed model. The results show that personal innovativeness in information technology and collective efficacy affect learner attitudes through perceived playfulness, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use, and in turn affect dimensions, such as satisfaction, self-perceived usage effects, and continued usage intention. Based on these results, instructional designers should work to use the diversity and richness of existing social network sites to enhance learner perceptions of the playfulness and usefulness of information technology, which in turn can produce more positive usage attitudes and greater learning satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing the framework of the technology acceptance model (TAM), the present study investigates the factors that affect employees’ acceptance and use of teleconferencing systems for work-related meetings in business settings. Based on survey data of 155 working professionals, a path analysis confirmed the key propositions of TAM. Importantly, the results also showed that both individual factors such as anxiety and self-efficacy, and institutional factors such as institutional support and voluntariness were significantly related to perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), and actual use of the systems. By examining teleconferencing that typically involves group communication within organizations, this study contributes to theoretical refinement of group-based technology use and adoption. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study combines the technology acceptance model (TAM) and uses and gratifications theory (U&G) to create an integrated model that predicts usage and satisfaction with Web-based information services (WIS). Two pilot studies and three laboratory experiments were conducted to test and develop the concepts, measurements, and the integrated model. The results support the proposed integrated model. Behavioral intention and entertainment motive collectively predicted behavioral usage. Satisfaction was positively associated with the level of usage. The good structure fit with the merge model and data showed that the model explained more than 30% variance of behavioral usage. Although both theories are solid acceptance theories, U&G provides specific information and a more complete understanding of usage, whereas TAM constructs are easily used with Web-based applications. This study gives researchers and practitioners an interdisciplinary perspective for investigating the phenomenon of technology acceptance. In addition, it merges the strengths from the fields of information systems and communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of national cultural differences on physicians' perceptions of knowledge management systems acceptance. Data is collected from 106 physicians in the United States and 255 physicians in Taiwan who agreed to participate in the investigation, and a t-test is used to compare the path coefficients for each moderator. Cultural differences were found to impact knowledge management system acceptance. The results reveal that individualism/collectivism, power distance, and high-context/low-context cultural characteristics account for the significant differences between the U.S. and Taiwan in this regard. Theoretical issues related to technology acceptance which lay beyond the scope of this investigation and other issues related to cultural differences may have had an impact on the research findings. This study can assist in the management of healthcare organizations by adding to the knowledge regarding the acceptance and development of management systems. The findings provide insight into the cultural differences which influence physicians' perceptions about knowledge management systems acceptance, and have implications for improving the knowledge relating to management systems acceptance in healthcare organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We developed a new model to explain why people share their locations on Facebook. [•] Our model explained 61% of the variance in why people share locations on Facebook. [•] Findings are discussed in relation to behavioral-intention models. [•] Practical implications for social media companies are offered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acceptance of technology in educational contexts is a relevant factor in determining teachers' intention to use digital tools in their teaching practice. However, the mechanism through which teachers' digital competence can influence or enhance their technology acceptance and use intention remains relatively unexplored, especially in the context of vocational education and training. The aim of this study is twofold: to evaluate the fit of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in the context of vocational education, and to examine the relationship between self-assessed teachers' digital competence belief and their acceptance of and intention to use technology in their classroom. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire and the responses of 2011 vocational teachers were analysed. Applying structural equation modelling, the results show that the TAM adequately explains teachers' intention to use digital tools in vocational education; further, there are positive and significant relationships between teachers' beliefs about their digital competence and their beliefs about technology ease of use and the perceived usefulness of technology in teaching; this latter, positively correlates with technology use intention. Understanding the factors interplaying with teachers' acceptance of technology and use intention is important for designing teacher training to enhance the successful integration of technology and to foster the connectivity between the different learning locations of vocational education. • Technology Acceptance Model explains vocational teachers' intention to use technology. • Perceived technology usefulness mostly influences the teachers' intention to use technology. • Teachers' Digital Competence Belief directly influences beliefs about technology. • Perceived usefulness mediates the effect of Digital Competence Belief on technology use intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Why students use Dropbox instead of in-house LMS? [•] Approach based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) – 3 factors. [•] Attitude toward using technology, Perceived ease of use and Perceived usefulness. [•] The perceived ease of use of cloud file hosting services is above that of LMS tools. [•] Same applies to perceived usefulness and attitude toward using Dropbox. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Students are more motivated when using social and domain related integrated resources. [•] Perception of learning opportunities, social influence, ease of use and hedonic motivation lead to usage intention. [•] Qualitative research analysis confirms the influence of usage intention constructs. [•] Sound resources influence the perception of learning opportunities, social influence, ease of use and hedonic motivation. [•] Sound and social resources influence the learners’ intention on using a learning object/activity and a learning environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We develop a model to understand the free trial of technology-based services. [•] Perceived usefulness and perceived risk have effects on attitude toward free trial. [•] Perceived usefulness, social influence and attitude have effects on trial intention. [•] Gender is an important moderator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] An integrated model of U&G approach and TAM proved its usefulness in this study. [•] MR and MI had positive effects on PEOU and PU in the context of smartphones. [•] The smartphone use is affected relatively more by MI than by MR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] This study expands the understanding of the effects of new technology in personnel selection. [•] Recruiters’ intentions to use new technology relate to perceptions of useful and ease of use. [•] Recruiter characteristics predict perceptions of usefulness and ease of use. [•] Different variables affect the acceptance of new technology by recruiters than by applicants. [•] Managers are well-advised to be aware of the technology readiness of their recruiters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the factors affecting the South Korean people’s use of smartphones within the framework of the technology acceptance model (TAM). Using an in-person survey (N =852), the study confirmed the propositions of the TAM. The study also included individuals’ psychological antecedents, such as motivations for social inclusion and instrumental use of smartphones, innovativeness, behavioral activation system (BAS), and locus of control. While the motivations and innovativeness verified previous studies’ findings, BAS and locus of control demonstrated their unique contributions to explaining smartphone use. Smartphone dependency was also affected by the antecedents in the use of smartphones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the factors and theoretical frameworks for the adoption of technology for older adults, and proposes two models of technology acceptance and rejection, one from an ease of learning perspective, and one from a system and user perspective. Both models are supported from reports on two case studies of older adults using handheld touchscreen tablet devices; one in which the participants are supported during tasks primarily related to walking and navigation, and one in which participants are unsupported in communication related tasks. The first study shows the powerful role that facilitating conditions have for learning how to use digital technologies for this user group, whether supporting through step by step guidance, providing a friendly space to use trial and error methods, and/or provision of a manual. The second study shows the pitfalls of a lack of facilitating conditions during initial use, and highlights potential for appropriate design in helping to avoid some user errors during this phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is often presumed that individuals with greater computer experience will easily adopt new or updated replacements of existing information technology. To examine this assumption, this study reviews prior computer experience research, identifies two key dimensions of computer experience i.e. computer use and computer proficiency and evaluates their effects individually. Analysis of survey data from 737 respondents using structural equation modeling indicates that each dimension had differential effects on behavioral intentions to use a newly introduced internet-based technology with computer use having curvilinear effects on adoption intentions. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To date, little research has examined gender difference in how convenience is perceived in mobile commerce (m-commerce). The current work presents and tests a theoretical model partially based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and posits a sequential relationship among four primary dimensions: (1) intrinsic attributes of mobile device—portability and interface design; (2) ease of use; (3) extrinsic attributes of mobile device—simultaneity, speed, and searchability; and (4) perceived convenience of m-commerce. We posit that physical attributes of mobile device (portability and interface design) are antecedents of ease of use, which in turn determines three extrinsic attributes (simultaneity, speed, and searchability). The final dependent variable is perceived convenience. Based on prior research on TAM and gender theories, the study proposes 16 hypotheses, of which our data support 12. Our results indicate that the link between interface design and ease of use holds a key to motivate females’ use of m-commerce. In closing, implications are discussed while important limitations are recognized along with future research suggestions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Social networking websites (SNSs) have become popular among younger adults, but internet-using older adults have not adopted this communication medium nearly as quickly (Lenhart, 2009; Madden, 2010). This study seeks to understand what factors encourage or discourage older adults from using SNS, like Facebook, to help understand what may be done to ensure both generations have communication media over which they enjoy and feel comfortable communicating. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; Davis, 1989; Davis, Bagozzi, & Warshaw, 1989) as a framework, 124 internet-using older adults aged 60–90, completed attitudinal measures of perceived usefulness of SNS, perceived ease of use of websites, social pressures to use SNS, and trust in SNS, as well as behavioral measures of current internet use, SNS use, and intention to use SNS in the future. Regression analyses revealed significant predictors of SNS include perceived usefulness, trust in SNS, and frequency of internet use. Unexpectedly, factors of ease of use and social pressures were not significant predictors. Implications for the TAM and for individuals with an interest in getting older adults to use SNS are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Limited research has been conducted on the integration of Tablet-PCs in classroom instruction. This paper reports a qualitative study which investigates the acceptance of Tablet-PCs, seen as technological innovation, amongst teachers. The research approach intends to complement research on the acceptance of technology through a more detailed qualitative examination. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 teachers during a pilot project introducing Tablet-PCs to classroom instruction at three different schools. The findings indicate diversity in the attitude of teachers towards the technology, but also with regards to the performance expectancy and the facilitating conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Technology adoption is usually modeled as a process with dynamic transitions between costs and benefits. Nevertheless, school teachers do not generally make effective use of technology in their teaching. This article describes a study designed to exhibit the interplay between two variables: the type of technology, in terms of its complexity of use, and the type of teacher, in terms of attitude towards innovation. The results from this study include: (a) elaboration of a characteristic teacher technology adoption process, based on an existing learning curve for new technology proposed for software development; and (b) presentation of exit points during the technology adoption process. This paper concludes that teachers who are early technology adopters and commit a significant portion of their time to incorporating educational technology into their teaching are more likely to adopt new technology, regardless of its complexity. However, teachers who are not early technology adopters and commit a small portion of their time to integrating educational technology are less likely to adopt new technology and are prone to abandoning the adoption at identified points in the process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Guided by Davis’ (1986) technology acceptance model (TAM) and Brehm’s (1989) reactance theory, this study sought to explore the determinants of college students’ adoption of mobile-based text alert short message service (SMS). The findings of the study supported the primary argument of the model that individuals’ adoption of text alert SMS for emergency preparedness and response should be largely determined by social psychological factors, such as attitude toward, subjective norm associated with, and perceived intrusiveness of the SMS. In addition, the findings demonstrated that subjective norm of and attitude toward the service prompted individuals’ actual adoption whereas intrusiveness of the service served as a distinctive barrier to the actual adoption behavior. Finally, the findings also showed that the probability of adopting the text alert SMS was not directly increased by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the service, but was indirectly affected by the two antecedents through ones’ attitude toward the use of the SMS. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cloud computing technology has matured as it has been integrated with every kind of digitalization processes. It offers numerous advantages for data and software sharing, and thus making the management of complex IT systems much simpler. For education in engineering, cloud computing even provides students with versatile and ubiquitous access to software commonly used in the field without having to step into an actual computer lab. Our study analyzed learning attitudes and academic performances induced by the utilization of resources driven by cloud computing technologies. Comparisons were made between college students with high school and vocational high school backgrounds. One hundred and thirty-two students who took the computer-aided designing (CAD) course participated in the study. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as the fundamental framework. Open-ended sets of questionnaires were designed to measure academic performance and causal attributions; the results indicated no significant differences in the cognitive domain between the two groups of students, though it is not so in both the psychomotor and the affective domains. College students with vocational high school background appeared to possess higher learning motivation in CAD applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Social media has become mainstream in recent years, and its adoption has skyrocketed. Following this trend among the general public, scholars are also increasingly adopting these tools for their professional work. The current study seeks to learn if, why and how scholars are using social media for communication and information dissemination, as well as validate and update the results of previous scholarship in this area. The study is based on the content analysis of 51 semi-structured interviews of scholars in the Information Science and Technology field. Unlike previous studies, the current work aims not only to highlight the specific social media tools used, but also discover factors that influence intention and use of social media by scholars. To achieve this, the paper uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), a widely adopted technology acceptance theory. This paper contributes new knowledge to methodological discussions as it is the first known study to employ UTAUT to interpret scholarly use of social media. It also offers recommendations about how UTAUT can be expanded to better fit examinations of social media use within scholarly practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Researchers in the Information Systems (IS) field have put considerable effort on identifying how personality affects technology acceptance. This study is a further step towards this direction within the context of Computer Based Assessment (CBA). Particularly, it investigates how the five personality factors affect the most important variables regarding CBA’s acceptance. For this purpose, 117 participants were required to complete a survey questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Big Five Inventory (BFI) questions in order to measure the five personality traits, and 23 items regarding student’s perceptions. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to test the measurement and the structural model. Results underline that Neuroticism has significant negative effect on Perceived Usefulness and on Goal Expectancy, Agreeableness determines Social Influence and Perceived Ease of Use, Conscientiousness defines Perceived Ease of Use, while Extroversion and Openness explain Perceived Importance. Important implications of these results are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]