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An empirical investigation of computer simulation technology acceptance to explore the factors that affect user intention

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Abstract

While computer simulations have been shown to be effective with regard to supporting learning, little effort has been made to explore the factors that affect the intention to use such tools. This paper applies the technology acceptance model and examines two external variables, facilitating conditions and computer self-efficacy, testing a number of hypotheses. The results show that most of the hypotheses the authors developed before the study were supported by the data collected, and further reveal that perceived usefulness is the most important determinant of student intention to use a computer simulation, followed by attitude toward using and computer self-efficacy. Finally, both the implications and limitations of this study are discussed, and further research directions are proposed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of China for financially supporting this research under Contract Nos. NSC 102-2511-S-041-001-, 102-2511-S-041-005-, 101-2511-S-432-001-, and 102-2511-S-432-001-.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Network Multimedia Design, Hsing Kuo University of Management, Tainan, Taiwan

    Chien-Hung Liu

  2. Department of Applied Informatics and Multimedia, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan

    Yong-Ming Huang

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Correspondence to Yong-Ming Huang.

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Liu, CH., Huang, YM. An empirical investigation of computer simulation technology acceptance to explore the factors that affect user intention. Univ Access Inf Soc 14, 449–457 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-015-0402-7

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