Using the personal computer utilisation model to predict students’ technology user behaviour in universities in Botswana

Abstract

Technological advances have reduced learning and teaching limits based on time and distance making education more accessible to students. Accordingly this study sought to establish whether the personal computer utilisation model (PCUM) could be used to predict and explain factors that influence the technology user behaviour of university students in Botswana. The PCUM is a model designed not only to predict PC utilisation but also to predict technology acceptance. A quantitative approach that employed a self-constructed structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 940 students from three public universities. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used for data validation of scale items. Results of the study showed that five out of the six dimensions of the PCUM significantly influenced the technology user behaviour of university students showing that overall, the PCUM could be used to predict and explain the technology user behaviour of university students. These results have implications on both practice and policy with regards to the integration of technology in universities.