An empirical investigation of college students’ acceptance of translation technologies

Abstract

With the advancement of information technology and artificial intelligence, translation technologies have seen rapid development in language services and increasing integration in higher education. However, research on factors affecting students’ acceptance of these technologies remains limited. This study intends to formulate and test an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) incorporating computer self-efficacy and perceived enjoyment to investigate students’ adoption of translation technologies. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 370 college students in China experienced with using translation technologies. The results from the structural equation modeling demonstrated a positive prediction on perceived ease of use and enjoyment from computer self-efficacy. Perceived enjoyment increased perceived ease of use and attitudes. Perceived ease of use positively influenced perceived usefulness and attitudes. Finally, attitudes positively predicted greater behavioral intentions to use translation technologies. However, computer self-efficacy was identified to have no significant effect on perceived usefulness. The study makes significant theoretical contributions by expanding TAM and offering practical guidance to improve students’ acceptance of translation technologies in tertiary education.