Abstract:
The advancement on Information and
Communication Technology and the Internet for
educational purposes has been a staple discourse among
researchers in recent years. However, preliminary
investigations indicate that e-learning systems are
underutilized due to the fact that some of their major
features remaining inactive; features like electronic
discussion forums. Despite several scholars reporting on
high levels of e-learning systems implementation at
Universities of Technology (UoT), it is disconcerting
that discussion forums within these platforms remain
poorly utilized. The purpose of this study is to establish
constructs that may promote adoption and use of
discussion forums. The Technology Acceptance Model
forms the theoretical framework for this study and is
extended by including digital inclusion, perceived
attention and perceived enjoyment. Thirty participants
were purposively selected from a third year Information
Technology class and interviewed with regards to the
different constructs which make up the Technology
Acceptance Model. Findings of this case study suggest
that, perceived usefulness and ease along with digital
inclusion may positively influence adoption and use of
discussion forums at UoT. The study contributes to the
board of knowledge by providing useful insights into the
application of the Technology Acceptance Model by
establishing additional constructs that may promote
discussion forum usage.
