Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Examine Seniors’ Attitudes toward Facebook

Using the technology acceptance model (TAM), this
study examined the external variables of technological complexity
(TC) to acquire a better understanding of the factors that influence the
acceptance of computer application courses by learners at Active
Aging Universities. After the learners in this study had completed a
27-hour Facebook course, 44 learners responded to a modified TAM
survey. Data were collected to examine the path relationships among
the variables that influence the acceptance of Facebook-mediated
community learning. The partial least squares (PLS) method was used
to test the measurement and the structural model. The study results
demonstrated that attitudes toward Facebook use directly influence
behavioral intentions (BI) with respect to Facebook use, evincing a
high prediction rate of 58.3%. In addition to the perceived usefulness
(PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) measures that are proposed in
the TAM, other external variables, such as TC, also indirectly
influence BI. These four variables can explain 88% of the variance in
BI and demonstrate a high level of predictive ability. Finally,
limitations of this investigation and implications for further research
are discussed.





References:
[1] Y. S. Kim and S. B. Merriam, "Situated learning and identity
development in a Korean older adults’ computer classroom,” Adult
Education Quarterly, vol.60, no. 5, 2010, pp.438-455.
[2] R Adler and M. Furlong, "Older Americans and the information
superhighway,” Report of a National Survey. San Francisco: SeniorNet,
1994.
[3] J. Ansley and J. T. Erber, "Computer interaction: Effect on attitudes and
performance in older adults,” Educational Gerontology, vol. 14, 1988, pp.
107-119.
[4] G. M. Jay and S. L. Willis, Predictors of older women's computer
attitudes. Presented at Gerontological Society of America, San Francisco.
Department of Individual & Family Studies. Penn State University,
University Park, Pa, 1988.
[5] N. Wagner, K. Hassanein, and M. Head,”Computer use by older adults: A
multi-disciplinary review,” Computer in Human Behavior, vol. 26, 2010,
pp.870-882.
[6] S. Pan and M. Jordan-Marsh, "Internet use intention and adoption among
Chinese older adults: From the expanded technology acceptance model
perspective,” Computer in Human Behavior, vol. 26, 2010,
pp.1111-1119.
[7] L. Wang, P.-L. P. Rau and G. Salvendy, "Older adults’ acceptance on
information technology,” Educational Gerontology, vol.37, no.12, 2011,
pp.1081-1099.
[8] C. H. Lin, "A study of the relationship of older adults' computer
experience between life satisfaction and computer attitude,” Unpublished
master thesis. National Chi Nan University, 2012 (In Mandarin).
[9] B. Xie, "Older adults, computers, and the Internet: Future directions”
Gerontechnology, vol. 2, no. 4, 2003, pp289-305.
[10] B. Xie, I. Watkins, J. Golbeck and M. Huang, "Understanding and
changing older adults' perceptions and learning of social media,”
Educational Gerontology, vol. 38, no. 4, 2012, pp.282-296.
[11] Y. H. Chiang, "An investigation of learning styles and elders' use in
information communication and technology,” Unpublished master thesis,
National Sun Yat-sen University, 2010.(In Mandarin)
[12] S. Shoemaker, ”Acquisition of computer skills by older users: A mixed
methods study,” Research Strategies, vol. 19, 2003, pp. 165-180.
[13] V. Venkatesh, M. Morris, G. Davis and F. Davis, "User acceptance of
information technology: Toward a unified view,” MIS Quarterly:
Management Information Systems, vol. 27, 2003, pp. 425-478.
[14] F. D. Davis, "Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user
acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, vol. 13, no.3, 1989,
pp.319–340.
[15] T. Teo, "Modelling technology acceptance in education: A study of
pre-service teachers,” Computers & Education, vol. 52, 2009, pp.
302-312.
[16] P. Legris, J. Ingham and P. Collerette, "Why do people use information
technology? A critical review of the technology acceptance model,”
Information & Management, vol. 40, no. 3, 2003, pp.191-204.
[17] Davis, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., & Warshaw, P. R. (1989). User acceptance of
computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models.
Management Science, 35(8), 982-1003.
[18] R. Agarwal and J. Prasad, "The antecedents and consequents of user
perceptions in information technology adoption,” Decision Support
System, vol. 22, no. 1, 1998, pp.15-29.
[19] S. Kang, "Information technology acceptance: Evolving with the changes
in the network environment,” Proceedings of 31st Annual Hawaii
International Conference on System Sciences, 1998, pp. 413-423.
[20] R. L. Thompson, C. A .Higgins and J. M. Howell, "Personal computing:
Toward a conceptual model of utilization,” MIS Quarterly ,vol.15, no.1,
1991, pp.124-143.
[21] T. Teo, V. Lim and R. Lai, "Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in internet
usage,” Omega, vol. 27, no.1, 1999, pp.25–37.
[22] W. Cheung and W. Huang, "Proposing a framework to assess internet
usage in university education: an empirical investigation from a student’s
perspective,” British Journal of Educational Technology,vol.36, no. 2,
2005, 237–253.
[23] W. W. Chin, B. L. Marcolin and P. R. Newsted, ”A partial least squares
latent variable modeling approach for measuring interaction effects:
Results from a Monte Carlo simulation study and an electronic-mail
emotion/adoption study Information Systems Research, vol. 14, no. 2,
2003, pp.189-217.
[24] R. F. Falk, and N. B. Miller, A primer for soft modeling. Akron, OH:
University of Akron Press, 1992.
[25] C. Fornell and F. L. Bookstein, "Two structural equation models:
LISREL and PLS applied to consumer exit-voice theory,” Journal of
Marketing Research, vol.19, 1982, pp.440–452.
[26] D. Barclay, C. A. Higgins, and R. L. Thompson, "The partial least squares
(PLS) approach to causal mode ling: Personal computer Adoption and use
as an illustration,” Technology Studies, vol. 2, no. 2, 1995, pp. 285-309.
[27] W. W. Chin, ”Issues and opinion on structural equation modeling,” MIS
Quarterly, vol. 22, no.1, 1998, pp.VII-XVI.
[28] J. Cohen, Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.).
Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum, 1988.
[29] V. Venkatesh and F.D. Davis, ”A theoretical extension of the technology
acceptance model: Four longitudinal field studies,” Management Science,
vol. 46, no.2, 2000, pp.186-204.
[30] S. Y. Park, "An analysis of the technology acceptance model in
understanding university students' behavioral intention to use e-learning,”
Educational Technology & Society, vol. 12, no. 3, 2009, pp.150-162.
[31] D. Harley and G. Fitzpatrick, "YouTube and intergenerational
communication: The case of Geriatric1927,” Universal Access in the
Information Society, vol. 8, no. 1, 2009, pp.5–20.