User acceptance of panoramic views as a technique for virtual tour in an educational environment

Abstract

Different levels of knowledge and expertise of the audience may lead to different levels of acceptance of the chosen technology. This paper presents a study on user acceptance of different groups of users of panoramic views as a presentation tool of the landscape of an educational environment which is Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Basically, the panoramic views were developed using mosaicking which is one of the Image-Based Rendering techniques (IBR). The evaluation of the user acceptance of this image-based approach in a virtual tour was on behavioral intention (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis which is determined by acceptance criteria requirement specifications as suggested by Southern Idaho Society for Software Quality Assurance (SISQA). Additionally, a new determinant which is perceived enjoyment which is adapted from the original two determinants was also used in the evaluation. Based on the interviews and hands-on sessions, the participants found that panoramic views can be accepted as a presentation tool although several recommendations were suggested from different groups of participants. The result has established preliminary evidence that indicates the sign of readiness and suitability in using Virtual Reality (VR) technology for creating innovative learning environment. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.