Investigating the Use of the Wiki: Test of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Abstract

Wikis, as one of the Web 2.0 social networking tools, have been increasingly used to engage students in learning with others within a collaborative environment. Hence, researchers want to determine whether such interaction produces learning synergy in an online learning community. In this study, we empirically investigate the degree of individual acceptance and the level of usage of wikis by examining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Conceptually, we examine perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use, and their impacts on the attitude toward the use of wikis and the intention to use wikis. One hundred and forty-two Hong Kong junior secondary school students participated in this research and completed a group work by using a wiki. Quantitative data from a questionnaire were collected to test the conceptual model by using regression. The results would be useful for ascertaining whether the target variables are influential in explaining students’ collaborative work with the use of wikis. Both theoretical and practical implications are included.