Acceptance of Educational Use of AI Chatbots in the Context of Self-Directed Learning with Technology and ICT Self-Efficacy of Undergraduate Students

Abstract

For long now, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots in higher education to support and engage learners in classroom learning activities has been attracting the attention of researchers. The acceptance of this technology for learning purposes is indicative of learners’ intentions and actual use in the future. Hence, this study aims to test the educational use of AI chatbots in the context of self-directed learning with technology (SDLT) along with information and communication technology (ICT) self-efficacy, using the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study involved 414 undergraduate students, and the research model was tested by utilizing the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that ICT self-efficacy affects only the perceived ease of use (PEU), whereas PEU and perceived usefulness have a positive effect on the intention to use AI chatbots. Moreover, SDLT is shown to affect both the intention and the actual use of AI chatbots. As such, it is suggested – among other notes – that universities update their curricula and activities to support SDLT, and also organize activities in order to increase ICT self-efficacy among students.

Keywords:

• AI chatbot
• ICT self-efficacy
• technology acceptance model
• undergraduate students
• self-directed learning with technology

Authors contributions

EE: Conceptualization, Writing - Original Draft, Data Curation. ŞG: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft, Data Curation. KGK: Methodology, Writing – Original Draft.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elif Esiyok

Elif Eşiyok is an associate professor at Atilim University. Her research area includes new media and technology. She has several articles published within these fields.

Sahin Gokcearslan

Sahin Gokcearslan is an associate professor at Gazi University. His research interests include technology integration, problematic technology usage, IoT and generative artificial intelligence. www.sahingokcearslan.com.

Kemal Gurkan Kucukergin

Kemal Gurkan Kucukergin is an associate professor at Atilim University. His research interests include technology, consumer behavior and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling.