Technology acceptance and social networking in distance learning

Jae Shin Lee, Hichang Cho, Geri Gay, Barry Davidson, Anthony Ingraffea

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

109 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examines the use of integrated communication and engineering design tools in a distributed learning environment. We examined students' attitudes toward the technology using two different approaches. First, we utilized the technology acceptance model to investigate the attitude formation process. Then, to investigate how attitudes changed over time, we applied social information processing model using social network analysis method. Using the technology acceptance model, we were able to demonstrate that students' initial expectation affected the perceptions of, attitudes toward, and use of the system. With social network analysis, we found that one's attitude change was significantly influenced by other students' attitude changes. We discussed the uniqueness of distance learning environments in the context of social influence research and how studies of distance learning could contribute to the research on the social influence of technology use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)50-61
Number of pages12
JournalEducational Technology and Society
Volume6
Issue number2
StatePublished - Apr 2003

Keywords

  • Attitude
  • Distance learning
  • Network analysis
  • Social influence
  • Technology acceptance model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Technology acceptance and social networking in distance learning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this