The exploration of continuous teaching intention in emerging-technology environments through perceived cognitive load, usability, and teacher’s attitudes

According to the theoretical frameworks and teaching practice, the constructs of the Technology acceptance model - TAM and the Cognitive load theory - CLT are in a close cause-and-effect relationship, and gaining insights into this issue is essential for educators. Our study aimed to examine continuous teaching intention (CTI) with emerging technologies (ET) through perceived usability (PUS), attitudes towards teaching (ATT) and perceived cognitive load (PCL) from the aspect of teachers’ perceptions. A survey research design using a cross-sectional survey technique was applied. The research involved 801 primary and lower secondary school teachers. Results showed that the TAM-CLT scale model is aligned and fits the overall sample well. In addition, teachers’ PUS can be a crucial factor in shaping ATT and CTI of ET because this construct positively influences these variables underlining the importance of designing user-friendly ET. However, our study reveals the lack of a significant negative relationship between teachers’ PCL and PUS, and the absence of mediation between PCL and CTI through PUS. These unexpected findings highlight the complexity of users’ experiences with ET and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between these constructs. One of the implications of our study refers to further investigation of the underlying mechanisms between PCL, PUS, and CTI. Other recommendations are stated in the discussion.