Are children keen on virtual reality to practice public speaking?
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2023-02-01
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en
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Abstract
Public speaking anxiety is a debilitating and persistent disorder that has an early onset
in childhood and is prevalent across all ages. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a
promising tool to reduce public speaking anxiety. This study used the technology acceptance
model to investigate the factors that influence elementary school children’s intention to use
SpeakApp-Kids!, a VR smartphone application that children can use to practice public
speaking. Forty-nine elementary school children (between 6-12 years old) had the
opportunity to try out SpeakApp-Kids! and were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Results
show that the children’s intention to use the application was positively associated with
Perceived Ease of Use. Perceived Ease of Use was also positively associated with Perceived
Usefulness. Perceived Usefulness and Presence were not associated with intention to use the
application. It is concluded that Perceived Ease of Use plays a more important role in
children’s user acceptance of SpeakApp-Kids! than Perceived Ease of Use and Presence.
Limitations of this study are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen