ABSTRACT
This paper examines trends of using e-books as a learning tool among EFL students of Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) by applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the number of English language courses as an external independent variable. Data is collected by administering a questionnaire to 283 respondents from Humanities and Social Sciences Faculties along with Medical, Engineering, and Science Faculties. Data is analyzed using SPSS and AMOS statistical analysis software. The analysis reveals that perceived ease of use (PEOU) positively affects perceived usefulness (PU) and attitudes towards using e-books, PU has a significant effect on attitudes and intentions to use e-books, and the attitudes have significant intentions to use e-books. On the other hand, attitudes and intentions are not significantly related to the regular use of e-books in comparison to students with limited use of e-books. Finally, the students who studied or are studying three or more English courses have positive attitudes and higher intentions towards using e-books if compared to those who studied less than three. This study is important to get a better understanding of e-book reading intentions among university students. It is believed to be the first study of undergraduates' intention on using e-book during/after the pandemic in Jordan using TAM. © 2023 ACADEMY PUBLICATION.
ABSTRACT
This study examined the attitudes toward online learning of EFL students by applying technology acceptance model (TAM) constructs along with the characteristics of the online learning system and the experience of online learning as external independent variables. The study used a quantitative approach. The researchers collected data by administering a questionnaire using Microsoft's online form to the tertiary students who were studying for their Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in the English Language and Literature Department at Al-Balqa Applied University - Jordan. . One hundred eighty-five students out of 602 responded to the questionnaire. The researchers used SPSS and Structural Equational Modeling (SEM - Smart PLS) to analyze the data. Among the findings, the characteristics of an online learning system significantly affected perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitudes, and the behavioral intentions (BIs) of EFL learners. In contrast, EFL learners' PEOU negatively affected their attitudes towards online learning and BIs. Finally, the attitudes of students who studied online for four semesters or more were negative compared to those who took less than four semesters online. These findings could be attributed to the supposedly temporary and rapid shift to online learning due to Covid-19 lockdown measures. This study is significant because it develops an understanding of tertiary EFL attitudes towards online learning. It also reflects on their behavioral intentions to utilize online learning after the pandemic. The researchers believe that this is the first study to examine EFL learners' attitudes and BIs on using online learning during/after the pandemic in Jordan using TAM.