Exploring factors influencing students’ behavioral intention to accept Ubiquitous-Based Testing (UBT) in dental education

The aim of this study was to identify the demographic variables and other factors influencing dental students' intention to accept Ubiquitous-Based Testing (UBT) and to examine the variation in acceptance based on these factors. We utilized the expanded Unified Theory of Acceptance of Technology (UTAUT2) framework to assess the impact of input factors on the behavioral intention to adopt UBT. To fulfill the purpose of this study, 86 master’s students majoring in dentistry were surveyed by modifying the items proposed in the UTAUT2 model to fit the context of the study. Independent variables included demographic factors such as gender, admission type, smart device literacy, and daily tablet PC usage, and input factors from the UTAUT2 model such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and habit. The dependent variable was behavioral intention. Data analysis employed t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. Among the input factors, variations in smart device literacy and daily tablet PC usage significantly influenced the intention to accept UBT. Additionally, daily tablet PC usage, social influence, and habit factors were found to have significant effects on their behavioral intention to accept UBT. To enhance UBT acceptance among dental students, it is crucial to facilitate effective smart device utilization at the institutional level. Moreover, diverse strategies are essential to promote the use of tablet PCs for academic purposes.