Modeling the acceptance of e-learning in mandatory environments of higher education: The influence of previous education and gender

•UTAUT theory is only partly useful in mandatory e-learning environments.•Performance expectancy is the most significant factor for behavioral intention.•Students’ previous education does not influence the model fit.

E-learning systems and technologies are playing an increasing role in different educational environments around the world. The acceptance of such technologies is tested with different models that use different criteria. Among them, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is one of the more studied theories, but its validity should still be tested in e-learning environments, especially mandatory ones.The purpose of the research was to assess and evaluate the appropriateness of UTAUT within a specific mandatory e-learning environment in higher education and to research the influence of gender and students’ previous education on the acceptance and use of such technology. The empirical research, which was based on the theoretical background, included a data collection method using a survey, a data validation method using factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.The results prove the general applicability of the UTAUT model in e-learning settings and demonstrate that social influence and performance expectancy significantly influence the intention to use the technology. Results also prove no significant influence of students’ previous education or gender on the model fit. The results suggest that young people think that they handle modern technology well and are ready to use it if only an increase in performance is expected.

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