Adoption of digital learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic: merging technology readiness index and UTAUT model

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the intentions and use behavior of digital learning environments in business education under the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital learning environments (DLEs) are ready to use bundles of heterogeneous educational technologies used by schools to deliver online courses that contrast to traditional packaged learning management systems. Through the merger of Technology Readiness Index and Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology, a nuanced perspective on the adoption of DLEs under the COVID-19 pandemic is achieved. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey study gathered sample data from Mexico, Malaysia and Spain to assess the effect of broad perceptions on technology and specific technologies embedded in DLEs. Data were analyzed using structural equation models and multigroup analysis. Findings Student optimism and innovativeness play a critical role in assessing specific features of DLEs. Discomfort and insecurity as barriers to adoption play a minor role. Performance expectancy has a strong effect on behavioral intention to use DLEs, but the effect of effort expectancy is nonsignificant. Multigroup analysis shows significant differences in technology perceptions between samples from Malaysia versus Mexico and Spain. Practical implications DLEs help students complete their academic tasks in online and hybrid settings. Instructors can take advantage of students’ positive perceptions of technology to set up DLE use in classrooms. They need to focus on the facilitating conditions of specific technologies and on learning outcomes that remain more important than learning how to use specific technologies. Originality/value Technology adoption studies usually rely on only one model, and this is one of the few studies that merge Technology Readiness Index and Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology models. The results of this study support a comprehensive view of individual perceptions of technology and specific attributes of DLEs and their effects on behavioral intentions in relation to DLEs.