The Role of Age and Efficacy on Technology Acceptance; Implications for PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS

As educational institutions continue to explore e-learning alternatives and as people continue to choose e-learning over traditional programs, additional empirically-supported research is required to understand the impacts and implications of e-learning. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of age and efficacy on computer usage behaviors and attitudes. The Technology Acceptance Model and Self-Efficacy Theory were used to guide the design of the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey administered to high school students and to industry professionals. A total of 676 people of differing ages and backgrounds were analyzed. The findings support the validity and appropriateness of the Technology Acceptance Model and Self-Efficacy Theory for explaining computer usage in academic setting. Furthermore, the results suggest that age plays a strong role in understanding computing behaviors and attitudes. (Contains 31 references.) (Author/MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the Original document. The Role of Age and Efficacy on Technology Acceptance; Implications for PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY