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ABSTRACT
This study presents findings that demonstrate that frustration with information technology use is a component of the learning environment and as a construct has an impact that is almost as large as the students' GPA on online students' performance midway through the course. We surveyed 368 accounting students. Their responses indicate that they like technology; they believe it to be beneficial, and they expect to be able to use it effectively. However, there appears to be a stronger relationship between frustration and performance in the online students. In all cases, students who earned "A's" reported fewer frustrating events while online students who scored lowest on the exam reported the most frustration with the software. An additional finding shows that lower scoring students believe the software is more useful than the students who scored higher on the exam.
Key words: Online homework, technical efficacy, frustration, structural equation modeling
Data availability: Data are available upon request
INTRODUCTION
Much of the focus in information systems research has been either techno-centric, studying the effect of technology on organizations or individuals; or human-centered, studying the interaction between human and Information Technology (IT) (Orlikowski, 2007). Given the ubiquitous nature of IT in various aspects of professional and personal life, it now seems logical to view IT as an integral part of our environment. Today's universities house an entire generation of young adults who have used technology throughout their lives. They do not complain when asked to use a new technology for class.
Our study found that college students like technology; they believe it to be beneficial, and they expect to be able to use it effectively. However, there is also a feeling of frustration. Technicism, the belief that technology can rescue society from its woes, (Schuurman, 1997), appeals to the Superman qualities students emulate. Like Ironman, students are not born with super powers, but with the help of technology, they believe they can achieve more. Although the use of technology and the inherent frustration is so intertwined with the educational setting, it can affect the human psyche, motivation and ultimately the success of students.
This study presents findings that demonstrate that frustration with IT use is inherent in the learning environment and particularly affects low-performing students. Frustration with...