Evaluating e-learning acceptance and usage motivation including IT Security Awareness amid Z generation Hungarian students with xTAM

Abstract

The use of e-learning systems in higher education is a must in the 21 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">st</sup> century. The extensive use of smart phones and mobile devices, the transition in the methodology, methods and ways of learning from a traditional form to a digital form as well as the shift of learning from offline to online platforms is unquestionable not only in case of individual learning but within organizational frameworks as well. This paper presents the conclusive findings and results of a research made on the use and acceptance of e-learning systems among the early Z generation-born students in higher education in Hungarian environment. The research used an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (xTAM) applying the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the AMOS program. The paper explores several external factors and highlights IT security awareness as a factor of crucial importance in the world of internet and when the protection of personal data is in focus. The evaluation of the IT security awareness reveals the behavior of students when using e-learning systems.