Perception of using e-learning platforms in the scope of the technology acceptance model (TAM): a scale development study

This study is aimed to develop a scale that measures university students' perception of using e-learning platforms by using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The sample consisted of 636 university students. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) results revealed 5-factors on a 6-items scale. The five factors that were revealed on the EFA analysis were called: "Content and Pedagogy of the Platforms," "Perceived Usefulness," "Perceived Ease of Use," "Attitude Toward Using Technology," "Instructional Design of the Platforms." The scale explains about 52.6% of the total variance. The findings obtained from the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were similar to the results obtained from EFA. Therefore, the factorial structure was verified. In terms of reliability, the Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.85 and it was split in half and the reliability was 0.94. The Cronbach's alpha values of five factors were found to be as follows: 0.93 (18 items), 0.92 (12 items), 0.76 (6 items), 0.75 (6 items), and 0.70 (4 items), respectively. Moreover, the results for the lower-upper 27% groups confirmed its discriminant validity. Overall, the present study achieved and introduced a valid and reliable measuring tool.