Analysis of Factors Affecting Vocational Students' Intentions to Use a Virtual Laboratory Based on the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

Virtual Laboratory (VL) is increasingly being used in the learning process, offering a variety of options. However, when choosing the appropriate type of VL, it is necessary to consider the factors that affect the successful implementation of the VL. This study discusses the factor analysis that affects the vocational students' intention to use a VL in remote learning. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), and Attitude towards VL (A) are factors that influence people's intention to use technology. This research was conducted on the learning process of the Power Electronics Practicum for Vocational students. This study involved 105 vocational students from the Industrial Electrical Engineering Study Program at Universitas Negeri Padang. A quantitative survey-based approach using a questionnaire was applied to obtain the research data. The research data was analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that all factors (PEU, PU, & A) had a significant and positive direct and indirect effect (through intervening variables) on the vocational students' intention to use VL to support remote learning. These factors can be considered in determining the appropriate virtual laboratory application to be implemented in the learning process.