Title: The acceptance of the online gamification learning platform by higher education students in hospitality and tourism

Authors: Kenneth Shiu Pong Ng; Ivan Ka Wai Lai; Kwan Keung Ng

Addresses: Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, Taipa, Macau ' Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, Taipa, Macau ' College of Tourism, Chung Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan

Abstract: Online gamification learning platform (OGLP) is very helpful for higher education. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, this study aims to identify factors that affect the choice of OGLP as a learning tool for students in hospitality and tourism. According to the gaming features of the OGLP, perceived playfulness was added as a technology acceptance factor. Furthermore, three variables (knowledge improvement, engagement, and immersion) were added as the antecedent factors of those technology acceptance factors. The results of survey data collected from 270 university students in Macau indicated that three antecedent factors have different levels of influence on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and perceived playfulness. All technology acceptance factors (performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived playfulness) except effort expectancy have a significant effect on behavioural intention toward the OGLP. This study provided recommendations for OGLP developers to optimise the design of OGLP.

Keywords: knowledge improvement; engagement; immersion; perceived playfulness; online gamification platform; performance expectancy; effort expectancy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2022.122133

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2022 Vol.31 No.3, pp.330 - 347

Received: 05 May 2021
Accepted: 04 Oct 2021
Published online: 08 Apr 2022 *

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