As an instructional designer and Ph.D. student, my journey with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) has been both enlightening and transformative. Despite the constraints posed by my military duties, which limited my ability to delve deeply into extensive research and discovery, I managed to engage with several pivotal studies that have significantly shaped my understanding and application of these frameworks.
Objectives and Focus
My primary objective was to explore and understand the applicability of TAM and UTAUT in the context of educational technology adoption. Specifically, I aimed to analyze how these models could inform the acceptance and effective use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT in enhancing metacognitive self-regulated learning (MSRL).
Key Studies and Insights
Extended TAM-Based Acceptance of AI-Powered ChatGPT by Al-Emran et al. (2018)
Summary: This study utilized TAM to examine the acceptance of ChatGPT among pre-service teachers. The research revealed that individual competencies, social influence, and perceived AI usefulness significantly influenced the acceptance of ChatGPT. The mixed-methods approach provided a comprehensive understanding of how ChatGPT could support lesson planning, content organization, goal setting, and strategy formulation, highlighting its potential to improve teaching practices and student outcomes.
The Extended UTAUT2: A Systematic Literature Review and Theory Evaluation by Tamilmani et al. (2020)
Summary: Tamilmani et al. systematically reviewed 24 empirical studies using UTAUT2, demonstrating its generalizability across various contexts and cultures. This study emphasized UTAUT2's adaptability and its ability to integrate external theories and variables, showcasing its versatility in addressing complex research questions in information management.
Chat-GPT; Validating Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Education Sector via Ubiquitous Learning Mechanism by Saif et al. (2023)
Summary: This study applied TAM to investigate Chat-GPT adoption among management science students. The research highlighted the impact of stress and anxiety on students' willingness to use technology, with perceived ease of use and usefulness being critical factors in reducing stress and promoting technology engagement through ubiquitous learning.
Connecting to My Research and Reasoning
These studies collectively underscored the importance of TAM and UTAUT in understanding technology acceptance in educational settings. The insights gained from these readings have been instrumental in shaping my approach to researching the implementation of AI-powered tools in education. The factors identified—personal competency, social influence, perceived usefulness, and ease of use—align closely with the core elements of TAM and UTAUT, reinforcing their relevance in my research.
Implementation-Focused Research Methods
To effectively implement TAM and UTAUT in my research, I plan to employ the following methods:
Mixed-Methods Approach
Quantitative: Surveys and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and technology acceptance.
Qualitative: Interviews and focus groups to gain deeper insights into individual experiences and contextual factors influencing technology adoption.
Longitudinal Studies
Capturing changes in attitudes and behaviors over time to understand the sustained impact of AI-powered tools on educational practices and student outcomes.
Experimental Design
Assessing the causal effects of specific interventions, such as introducing ChatGPT into the curriculum, on students' learning outcomes and technology acceptance.
Discovering and Sharing New Research Readings
To support my research design, I continuously explore new literature on implementation theories and past research on TAM and UTAUT. Some promising readings include:
Technology Acceptance Model in M-learning Context: A Systematic Review
Citation: Al-Emran, M., Mezhuyev, V., & Kamaludin, A. (2018). Technology Acceptance Model in M-learning context: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 125, 389–412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.06.008
Summary: This systematic review explores the application of TAM in mobile learning (M-learning) contexts. The study synthesizes findings from various research papers, highlighting how perceived ease of use and usefulness influence M-learning technologies' acceptance and adoption. The authors emphasize the need to consider contextual factors and suggest extensions to TAM to capture the nuances of M-learning environments better.
Chat-GPT; Validating Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Education Sector via Ubiquitous Learning Mechanism
Citation: Saif, N., Khan, S. U., Shaheen, I., ALotaibi, F. A., Alnfiai, M. M., & Arif, M. (2024). Chat-GPT; validating Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in education sector via ubiquitous learning mechanism. Computers in Human Behavior, 154, 108097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.108097
Summary: This study employs TAM to investigate the adoption of Chat-GPT technology among management science students in higher education. It examines how students' stress and anxiety levels influence their willingness to use technology for academic tasks. Through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study establishes significant relationships between variables, demonstrating that perceived ease of use and usefulness of Chat-GPT play crucial roles in shaping students' attitudes and reducing stress, thereby influencing their engagement with the technology.
The Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2): A Systematic Literature Review and Theory Evaluation
Citation: Tamilmani, K., Rana, N. P., Wamba, S. F., & Dwivedi, R. (2021). The extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2): A systematic literature review and theory evaluation. International Journal of Information Management, 57, 102269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102269
Summary: This paper comprehensively reviews 24 empirical studies that applied the extended UTAUT2. It examines the model's generalizability across various contexts and cultures and its ability to integrate external theories and variables. The study highlights UTAUT2's adaptability and versatility in addressing complex research questions, showcasing its relevance in understanding technology acceptance and use.
Developing My Implementation Theory Research Design Document and Presentation
To ensure a structured approach to my research, I am currently working on the following components:
Research Design Document
Introduction: Overview of TAM and UTAUT, and their relevance to educational technology adoption.
Literature Review: Summarizing key studies and identifying gaps in the current research.
Methodology: Detailing the mixed-methods approach, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Implementation Plan: Outlining the steps for integrating AI-powered tools into the educational context.
Expected Outcomes: Predicting the potential impact on teaching practices and student learning.
Presentation Outline
Slide 1: Introduction to TAM and UTAUT.
Slide 2: Key findings from relevant studies.
Slide 3: Research methods and implementation plan.
Slide 4: Anticipated outcomes and significance of the research.
Slide 5: Future directions and potential for further research.
Conclusion
Engaging with TAM and UTAUT through these key readings has provided a robust foundation for my research on educational technology adoption. The insights gained from these models and related studies have shaped my research approach, allowing me to design a comprehensive and impactful study. As I continue to develop my research design and presentation, I am excited about the potential of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT in enhancing educational practices and student outcomes.
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