Applying the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction

<p>Augmented Reality (AR) Technology, since its inception, has been enhanced significantly by software and hardware developers, and has been widely utilized in various fields such as manufacturing, entertainment, architecture, commerce and education. In recent years, maintenance instructions developed on the basis of AR technology have demonstrated their potential to positively impact maintenance training and technical tasks in aviation. Features of AR maintenance instructions include interactive content, user-friendly operation interface, enhanced visualization and real-time data feeds. The researchers conducted a case study of forty-one aviation maintenance students at a Midwestern university. The purpose of this study was twofold: to evaluate the Technology Acceptance Model as a valid framework for assessing AR implementation in aviation maintenance training; and to evaluate students’ acceptance of AR instructions in aviation maintenance training. On one hand, The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) can help identify and prove the relationships among variables affecting aviation students’ perceptions and future use of AR instructions, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward using, and intention to use. On the other hand, the results may help establish an initial benchmark for aviation students’ acceptance of AR instructions in a maintenance training setting.</p>