Factors Influencing the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Applications in Supporting the Educational Process by Students of Library, Documentation, and Information Programs in Egyptian Public Universities: according to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

 
             Despite the growing importance of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) applications in supporting the educational process and enriching learning experiences, their adoption is not without challenges related to the extent of student acceptance. The researcher observed a scarcity of studies analyzing the factors that influence students' technological acceptance of these applications, which serves as the fundamental catalyst for their actual usage, level of reliance, and rate of adoption. This necessitated the current study. The research aimed to identify the factors influencing the use of GenAI applications by students of the Library, Documentation, and Information programs in Egyptian public universities, specifically in light of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). It also sought to determine the students' motivations for using these applications, uncover the most frequently used types of applications, and monitor the variables affecting student acceptance based on the six factors of the TAM. Furthermore, the study explored statistical differences according to the demographic and academic variables of the sample students. To achieve the study's objectives, the researcher employed the descriptive analytical method, utilizing a questionnaire and a personal interview as data collection tools from a sample of (314) students across Library, Documentation, and Information departments in seven Egyptian public universities: Cairo, Alexandria, Benha, Mansoura, South Valley (Qena), Sohag, and Aswan. The study yielded several key findings, including a high consensus among the sample individuals regarding the factors of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), indicating homogeneity in the students' acceptance of GenAI applications in the educational process. The results also showed that the ChatGPT application was the most frequently used (96.7%), while Zotero ranked last (65.4%). The primary reason motivating students to use GenAI applications was "searching for information on various topics" (88.9%). Notably, the findings revealed a high level of insecurity felt by the university students in the sample towards using GenAI applications, exceeding 57%. Additionally, 45% of the sample expressed concerns when dealing with GenAI applications, with the foremost concern relating to the lack of knowledge about what happens to their inputted data. In light of these findings, the study recommended the urgent need to disseminate an AI culture among students through the rapid integration of courses incorporating AI applications into educational curricula. This should be a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Supreme Council of Universities, and the universities' Libraries and Information departments, ultimately contributing to preparing students for the future job market.