Understanding artificial intelligence adoption among university students in South African higher education: a technology acceptance model approach

A study investigated factors influencing Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption among university students in South African higher education, using an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The research aimed to understand associations between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, and attitudes towards AI with actual AI use, as well as demographic and academic differences. This indicates a focus on understanding the mechanisms driving technology integration in an educational context.

Why it matters

Understanding the drivers of AI adoption among students is crucial for strategic planning in higher education and technology integration. It informs resource allocation and curriculum development to optimize the benefits of AI for learning and academic productivity.

Key insights

• The study focused on understanding AI adoption among university students within a South African higher education institution.
• It utilized an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework.
• Key factors examined included perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, and attitudes towards AI.
• The research investigated the associations of these factors with actual AI use.
• It also explored differences in AI adoption across various demographic and academic characteristics of students.
• The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1917699