An empirical investigation of computer simulation technology acceptance to explore the factors that affect user intention

While computer simulations have been shown to be effective with regard to supporting learning, little effort has been made to explore the factors that affect the intention to use such tools. This paper applies the technology acceptance model and examines two external variables, facilitating conditions and computer self-efficacy, testing a number of hypotheses. The results show that most of the hypotheses the authors developed before the study were supported by the data collected, and further reveal that perceived usefulness is the most important determinant of student intention to use a computer simulation, followed by attitude toward using and computer self-efficacy. Finally, both the implications and limitations of this study are discussed, and further research directions are proposed.

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