Extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to investigate determinants of acceptance and adoption of learning management systems in the post-pandemic era: a structural equation modeling approach

ABSTRACT

Despite the disruptive effects of COVID-19 on higher education institutions, the pandemic has enforced the intensive and sustained integration of new digital technologies and platforms into Education, a case that has instigated new contexts for online learning research. A considerable proportion of empirical literature advocates that perceived fear associated with the pandemic is positively related to protection motivation and, hence, online learning acceptance. The current study aims to extend one of the prominent technology acceptance theories, namely, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and diffusion of innovation of theory (DIT) to investigate the acceptance and adoption of learning management systems (LMS) among students and faculty. A cross-sectional survey study has been conducted in a higher education institution in Oman, involving a sample of undergraduate students and faculty. The findings have indicated that perceived corona fear has significantly influenced perceived effort expectancy and performance expectancy, whereas facilitating conditions and technological innovativeness, contrary to the forecasts, have not significantly affected intention. Based on its findings, the current study suggests several practical implications for promoting the pedagogical efficacy of online learning elements within comprehensive blended learning models in higher education institutions in the post-pandemic era.

KEYWORDS:

• UTAUT
• DIT
• corona fear
• technological innovativeness
• learning management systems
• adoption
• performance expectancy
• effort expectancy

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-fr-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Maryam Nasser AL-Nuaimi

Dr. Maryam Nasser AL-Nuaimi has completed her Ph.D. degree in 2019 from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, in the Department of Information Studies. She is currently an Assitant Professor at Al Buraimi University College, Oman. Her research interests include e-learning in medical education, learning analytics, academic motivation, and ICT-ethics education.

Omar Said Al Sawafi

Dr. Omar Said Al Sawafi is an Assistant Professor in TESOL at the Department of the English Language and literature, Al Buraimi University College, Oman. His research interests include ELT curriculum development, ELT innovations and TESL/TEFL Pedagogy.

Sohail Iqbal Malik

Dr. Sohail Iqbal Malik obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Deakin University, Australia in 2016. His research interest includes Algorithmic Thinking, Computer Education, Technology in Education, Technology Enhanced Learning, and Web-based Learning.