Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Attitudes about a Virtual Learning Environment for EFL Writing

Abstract

This quantitative case study used Venkatesh and Davis’ (2000) technology acceptance model (TAM) to understand EFL student attitudes towards using a virtual learning environment (VLE). The study surveyed 97 undergraduate students enrolled in a required English writing course. The study employed factor reduction to group the variables into the TAM. A standard multiple regression was then performed to determine the effect the variables had on the model. It was found that the perceived ease of use (EoU), output quality (OQ), and results demonstrability (RD) had a positive statistical effect on the perceived usefulness (PU). The subjective norm (SN), EoU, and PU also had a positive statistical effect on the students' intention to use (IU) the VLE for writing. The final standardized regression found a positive statistical effect from IU towards the students' usage behavior (UB). The overall results showed that the more positive a student's EoU, OQ, RD, SN, PU, and IU, the more likely a student will use and accept the VLE for writing. This usage should also help students improve their language level as well as build 4 th industrial revolution skills. Teachers should consider the use of VLEs to teach or supplement EFL writing in the future.