Factors Influencing Higher Education Academics’ Acceptance of Augmented Reality Applications in Post-pandemic Era: Pilot Study

Augmented reality (AR) has the potential to enhance teaching and learning; however, its adoption by academics in higher education remains low. This research aims to validate a proposed AR acceptance model for academics post-COVID-19. The model is based on UTAUT2 and includes additional constructs such as content quality and resistance to change. A pilot study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the survey questionnaire. The pilot survey collected 35 responses from higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia and Australia through an online survey method. The results revealed that all constructs in the proposed model have Cronbach alpha from 0.733 to 0.934 indicating acceptable reliability. The results also provide useful information about factors that influence AR acceptance among higher education institutions in the post-pandemic context. To contribute to existing knowledge in this area, the authors first detail the procedures and methods used in the pilot test before conducting the main study with larger scale. Most comparable studies have primarily focused on students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this study plans to target faculty members in higher education in post-pandemic era.