The influence of goal orientations, individual traits and anxiety on the self-efficacy of new web conferencing software

Peter Vitartas, Lecturer, School of Commerce and Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, 2480. Email: pvitarta@scu.edu.au

Keywords

Self-efficacy, goal orientations, anxiety, innovativeness, elluminate web conferencing software, structural equation modeling.

Abstract

This paper examines factors that influence the likly adoption of new software that facilitates synchronous web conferencing into three subjects offered by a business school at a tertiary instituion in Australia. A model of self-efficacy for using Elluminate is developed which includes measures for motivation, achievement goal orientation, and computer anxiety (moderated by personal innovativeness of information technology). The model was tested and a refined model based on modification fix indices is presented. The findings suggest that self efficacy was influenced by two achievement goal orientations - the goal to demonstrate ability and the goal of not wanting to appear to fail - avoidance goal orientation. Trait anxiety and computer anxiety were found to be associated with motivational goals. Cluster analysis identified two groups that were differentiated by age and trait anxiety. Younger students were found to have higher levels of trait anxiety but were keen to show their ability and avoid being embarrassed using the software. The findings have implications for educators introducing new software into the learning environment. The implications and study limitations are discussed.