Acceptance of e-Learning Systems: a Serial Multiple Mediation Analysis

The success of an e-learning system depends strongly on understanding the factors that influence students' use and acceptance of this kind of system. Technology acceptance models (TAMs) are frequently used in studies investigating the determinants of adoption and usage of new technologies. Drawing on the findings from extant literature on technology acceptance, this study developed and tested a multiple mediator model using TAM3 framework and concepts. The model was tested on a sample of 220 students using Structural Equation Modeling and serial multiple mediation analysis. The study proved that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness mediate sequentially the relationships between the four external variables - social influence, facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, perceived enjoyment - and behavioral intention to use the e-learning system. The empirical results provide support for the proposed model. The results indicate that the TAM is a theoretically sound model which can be used to predict students' behavioural intention (BI) to use e-learning systems.