Understanding the Technology Receptivity in Higher Education: Evidence From the UAE

Abstract

This article seeks to investigate factors that predict students' attitudes and intentions to use technology in higher education in the UAE context. A survey research was conducted on a sample of public and private University students using blackboard learn system and other educational technologies in the UAE. A model was developed, and structural equation modeling was used to ascertain the goodness of fit of the model. Computer literacy, ease of use and usefulness were hypothesized to impact the electronic satisfaction and retention of a student with Blackboard and other technology based educational platforms. Perceived usefulness and perceived computer literacy to e-satisfaction and retention was found to be statistically significant. This paper emphasizes technology implementation and receptivity in higher education students in a developing country context, and makes tentative suggestions and recommendations on how policy makers might respond to current and future technology needs.