A Human Factors Study of Technology Acceptance of a Prototype Mobile Augmented Reality System for Science Education

This paper presents a novel implementation of an extended technology acceptance model to gain insight into user perceptions, attitudes and beliefs toward a mobile augmented reality system for science education. Results were collected during the initial testing of a prototype system, with the specific intent to diagnose misspecifications of user requirements, receive appropriate feedback and integrate it within the design lifecycle of the product. The research model used in this study monitored several affective, motivational and cognitive factors of user acceptance. Findings from the study show that the augmented technology acceptance model accurately represents student evaluation and reactions, even after a short initial experience of hands-on usage of the system. Empirical evidence supports moderating effects upon the core perceptual constructs by taking into account wearability aspects across dimensions of user comfort and exertion, and gender differences as well.