Using the UTAUT model to examine the acceptance behavior of synchronous collaboration to support peer translation

Abstract

The teaching of translation has received considerable attention in recent years. Research on translation in collaborative learning contexts, however, has been less studied. In this study, we use a tool of synchronous collaboration to assist students in experiencing a peer translation process. Afterward, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (utaut) and a partial least squares regression approach are used to explore students' perspectives on the synchronous collaboration. Specifically, the study is constructed in a technical university in Tainan, Taiwan. A total of 27 participants enrolled in the study. The results show that most of the hypotheses we had developed before the study were supported by the data we collected, and further reveal that the construct of facilitating conditions is the most important determinant of students' intention to use the synchronous collaboration, followed by social influence and effort expectancy. The results indicate that the construct of facilitation conditions, such as the usage of new technology or problem solution, plays a significant role when integrating new technology since students will be more familiar with the new technology. Finally, both the implications and limitations of this study are discussed, and further research directions are proposed.