Article: The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: verifying the model from a European perspective Journal: International Journal of Knowledge and Learning (IJKL) 2010 Vol.6 No.2/3 pp.185 - 199 Abstract: This study starts by questioning the quality of e-learning transfer between countries by merely translating the text into a different language. We apply and thus verify the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which has not yet been sufficiently empirically validated. Our bicultural sample encompasses N = 732 students aged under 30 from Romania and Germany. As a first result, we offer empirical evidence for UTAUT on a wider basis. Secondly, we propose an extension of the UTAUT model by the predictor computer anxiety and the moderator geographic location, and for the case in which generic learning technologies are questioned instead of a more specific technology. Thirdly, we present evidence for different acceptance mechanisms in the Romanian vs. the German sub-sample; a cluster analysis confirms the intercultural differences in the technology acceptance variables. Finally, we conclude that the transfer of e-learning concepts and contents from old to new EU member countries requires much more than language translation; acceptance factors are the first aspect to consider. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: verifying the model from a European perspective

Authors: Nicolae Nistor, Maximilian Wagner, Emese Istvanffy, Maria Dragota

Addresses: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Leopoldstr. 13, D-80802 München, Germany. ' Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Leopoldstr. 13, D-80802 München, Germany. ' Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Universitatea BabeS-Bolyai, Str. Sindicatelor 7, RO-400029 Cluj-Napoca, Romania. ' Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Universitatea BabeS-Bolyai, Str. Sindicatelor 7, RO-400029 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract: This study starts by questioning the quality of e-learning transfer between countries by merely translating the text into a different language. We apply and thus verify the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which has not yet been sufficiently empirically validated. Our bicultural sample encompasses N = 732 students aged under 30 from Romania and Germany. As a first result, we offer empirical evidence for UTAUT on a wider basis. Secondly, we propose an extension of the UTAUT model by the predictor computer anxiety and the moderator geographic location, and for the case in which generic learning technologies are questioned instead of a more specific technology. Thirdly, we present evidence for different acceptance mechanisms in the Romanian vs. the German sub-sample; a cluster analysis confirms the intercultural differences in the technology acceptance variables. Finally, we conclude that the transfer of e-learning concepts and contents from old to new EU member countries requires much more than language translation; acceptance factors are the first aspect to consider.

Keywords: technology acceptance; technology use; UTAUT; intercultural factors; e-learning transfer; electronic learning; online learning; Romania; Germany; computer anxiety; geographic location; cluster analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2010.034753

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2010 Vol.6 No.2/3, pp.185 - 199

Published online: 21 Aug 2010 *

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Title: The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: verifying the model from a European perspective

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