Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate professor, Division of Research and Assessment, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), higher education has undergone fundamental transformations. This technology, by providing innovative tools and facilitating the personalization of the learning process, has enabled broader access to educational resources and improved teaching quality. The present study examines the acceptance and use of AI technology among faculty members based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The statistical population includes faculty members of the University of Tehran in the 2024–2025 academic year, from whom 118 individuals were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through a standardized and adapted questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24 software. The findings indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence have a significant positive impact (p<0.01) on behavioral intention, which in turn affects AI usage behavior. In contrast, facilitating conditions and perceived risk did not have a significant impact on the acceptance of this technology. The analysis of moderating variables revealed that gender moderates the relationship between perceived risk and intention to use AI, such that among female faculty members, perceived risk has a significant negative effect on behavioral intention. These findings highlight the importance of improving infrastructure, increasing awareness of AI benefits, facilitating access, and addressing concerns related to this technology. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and educational administrators to facilitate AI adoption in higher education.
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