Wireless acceptance in a university setting using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
Date
2007
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold: first, determine the acceptance of wireless technologies in a university setting based upon the constructs and items of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology UTAUT. Second, to determine from this data, the next wireless technology to point companies to insofar as marketing, and the next possible big thing in wireless technology overall. The research was conducted using a random sample drawn from the University of Delaware's student population; as it was dependent entirely upon whichever students the Office of the Registrar chose to select to be recipients of the survey. Students surveyed ranged from new freshman up to matriculated graduate students. The results were then tabulated using multiple methods and the data analyzed. The findings of this study clearly show a trend towards both young adults (18-20) and older students (23-Up). Each of the age brackets want wireless technology for different reasons, one for the 'hip' factor, and the other the performance factor respectively. ☐ Furthermore, the next big thing in wireless is going to be a merging of these two worlds as well a little something else mixed in. We can already see some of this with the advent of the Ultra Mobile PC's and the Cell Phones that are more media centers, PDA's, Smart Phones, and Blackberry's all in one. Imagine a device that has the computing power of a small laptop, the multimedia abilities of an iPod, the ability to play live streaming video and TV, the out-of-office capabilities of a Blackberry, and the size of small Smart Phone. Take a look at some of the new phones coming to market now, the iPhone, the MotoMING, the Blackjack, and the Motorola Q. A device such as the iPhone above all is looking to do just that, merge a multitude of wireless technologies into one sleek device that has both excellent performance to appeal to the older crowd and is very stylish and will appeal to the younger crowd.