ELABORATING A MULTI-ITEMS SCALE TO EVALUATE THE DECISIVE FACTORS FOR THE USE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims at testing statistically the suitability of a multi-items scale model in order to evaluate the factors that establish the use of technological innovation in Distance Education to the point of view of Business and Accounting professors. To achieve this study’s goal, thought literature research, it was checked the attributes that affects the use of technologic innovation, it also was identified the constructs proposed by Rogers (1983) and later extended by Moore and Benbasat (1991) based on the Theory of Diffusion and Innovation (TDI).  The study’s sample is of 436 professors of distance learning business courses.  The constructs tested are: relative advantage, compatibility, ease of use, experimentation, image, income statement, visibility, volunteering and the use of technological innovation (established, in this study, by the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)).  Statistic test used to valid the constructs was the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).  After purification of the model, the results showed that rates of adjustments of the model were suitable, the results confirmed the convergent and discriminative validity, and all constructs showed consistency and reliability. Thus, the measurement model has become appropriate, ie, the items measure properly the constructs proposed to evaluate the factors that determine the use of technological innovation in Distance Education.