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Refereed Paper with Presentation

**Technology Acceptance Model for Online Adult Education**
Barbara Lauridsen, Capella University, PhD Learner, USA, blauridsen@gmail.com

 How institutions make decisions to accept or reject technology innovation has been explored by academics with the assistance of an approach known as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This interactive session examines a decision process influenced by TAM interpreted by research perspectives such as Theory of Reasoned Action and Self-efficacy Theory. The session highlights perceptions of usefulness, attitude and preferences that are factors which influence typical TAM findings. TAM approach is intended to identify reliable predictors of outcome for investment in educational learning environments, content repositories and teacher training. Further, adoption of technology is a complex, inherently social process guided by perception or misperception of value, especially for educators and learners. Thus, facilitating a decision to adopt devices, software or modified processes must address emotional, cognitive, and contextual concerns. The session’s scenario is to increase use of tools for effective online learning, and illustrates several construct diagrams relevant to a discussion about the influence of behaviors and preferences especially for virtual learning communities.

Advanced Computer Self-Efficacy, Concerns-Based Adoption Model, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Attitude toward Using Technology, Intention to Use Technology, Theory of Reasoned Action