ERIC Number: EJ1001707
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Oct
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Understanding E-Learning Adoption in Brazil: Major Determinants and Gender Effects
Okazaki, Shintaro; dos Santos, Luiz Miguel Renda
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, v13 n4 p91-106 Oct 2012
The objective of this study is to examine factors influencing e-learning adoption and the moderating role of gender. This study extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) by adding attitude and social interaction. The new construct of social interaction is applied to the South American context. Gender effects on e-learning adoption from educators' perspectives have seldom been explored. The data collection takes place in three major Brazilian universities. In total, 446 faculty members responded to the questionnaire. Our structural equation modeling reveals that ease of use and perceived usefulness are significant antecedents of attitude, which in turn affects intention. However, unlike the original TAM, perceived usefulness is not a direct driver of intention. In terms of moderation, gender affects three relationships: (1) ease of use -> perceived usefulness; (2) perceived usefulness -> attitude, and (3) intention -> actual behavior. The analysis is carried out in a single country; thus, caution should be taken in generalization of the results. The findings will help academics, educators, and policy makers to better understand the mechanism of e-learning adoption in Brazil. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Intention, Electronic Learning, Structural Equation Models, Adoption (Ideas), Cultural Context, College Faculty, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Behavior, Latin Americans, Computer Uses in Education, College Instruction, Qualitative Research, Surveys, Interviews, Sex Role, Gender Issues, Technology Integration, Usability
Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Brazil
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A