MOOCs ADOPTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors affecting the Behavioral Intention (BI) to use Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Thailand The study adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model with an extension to include two variables of Perceived Autonomy (PA) and Absorptive Capacity (AC). The study has also investigated the moderating effects of Culture (CUL) on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study was conducted using primary data collected from 490 respondents, who were university students and intended to use MOOCs. The study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the relationship between study variables in AMOS 26. The findings of the study indicated that Perceived Autonomy (PA) was found to have a positive and significant effect on Behavioral intention to use MOOCs (BI); Facilitating Conditions (FCS) has a positive and significant effect on Behavioral intention to use MOOCs (BI). Absorptive capacity (AC) has a positive and significant effect on Behavioral intention to use MOOCs (BI); Social Influence (SI) has a positive and significant effect on Behavioral intention to use MOOCs (BI). However, the results indicated that Performance Expectancy (PE) and Effort Expectancy (EE) have a non-significant effect on BI. Additionally, Perceived Autonomy has a positive and significant effect on Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy. The results of interaction between Culture and independent variables (PE, EE, SI, FC, AC, & PA) indicated that CUL does not moderate any relationship with dependent variable (BI). This research is considered very critical during the period of COVID-19 pandemics, where most learning is being conducted online. Therefore, the policymakers in the education sector in Thailand, and the heads and management of institutions of higher learning could benefit from the findings of this research.