Factors Affecting E-Learning Acceptance among Students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences Based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Introduction: Application of information technology in educational systems is an active program and educational process, which illustrates modern education in the third millennium. Meanwhile, prior to its application, there should be an effort to identify the effective factors on the acceptance, efficiency, utilization and use of this phenomenon. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the acceptance of electronic learning based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) among students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This research is a descriptive study which includes all the students studying in year 2010 in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Using simple random sampling 321 students were selected for the study. Data collection tool was a questionnaire (developed by the researcher based on Technology Acceptance Model). Its reliability was 0 .81. Data analysis included both descriptive statistics (by SPSS) and inferential statistics through structural equation modeling and path analysis using LISREL. Results: Variables including the perception of easy usage of e-learning, the perception of the helpfulness of e-learning, students’ attitudes toward e-learning and the decision to use it are the factors which affect the acceptance and use of this technology positively at the level of 0.01 among the students. Conclusion: Based on the data analysis, the TAM of electronic learning in this population is appropriate based on the goodness of fit. Consequently it is applicable to the population under study.