Investigating the Drivers of Artificial Intelligence Acceptance by Oman University Students

الملخص

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education by enhancing teaching, learning, and administrative processes. However, its adoption in higher education, particularly in regions like the Middle East, remains underexplored. This study investigates the drivers of AI acceptance among university students in Oman, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine factors such as perceived usefulness (PU), ease of use (PEOU), trust, attitude (PAT), and social influence (PSI). A quantitative survey of 200 students from Sohar University was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results reveal that trust, ease of use, usefulness, and social influence significantly predict AI acceptance and actual use. Trust emerged as a key factor, positively influencing PU and PEOU, while social impact affected ease of use and actual use but not attitudes toward AI. The study highlights the importance of designing user-friendly, trustworthy AI tools and fostering a supportive social environment to enhance adoption. Practical implications include transparent AI practices, ethical guidelines, and targeted training to build student confidence. These findings provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and developers, supporting Oman’s national goals for AI .integration in education and improved learning outcomes