Extended UTAUT model to analyze the acceptance of virtual assistant’s recommendations using interactive visualisations

Abstract

The use of learning objects (LOs) to create digital courses has been widely advocated by learning strategists and by teachers engaged in the e-learning domain. The ability to combine chunks of learning material as to meet complex educational requirements is still a challenge. This paper explores the idea that a learning assistant advises teachers about the e-learning modules to take into account for their courses. An AI-based digital assistant can provide significant opportunities, but might be perceived as a threat. The paper presents how teacher could perceive a virtual assistant as more trustworthy when it applies interactive visual strategies. To analyze teachers’ acceptance of the digital assistant, our proposal aims at extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model in order to incorporate three new constructors: Communicability, perceived trust and experience. To this end, 14 teachers have been involved in a user tests.