From acceptance to implementation: student speech-language pathologists' perspectives on using digital technologies in practice.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of digital technologies among student speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at the bachelor's and master's levels, focusing on key factors influencing their acceptance and conditions fostering their intention to use these technologies in future speech-language pathology services. A total of 16 student SLPs, all currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, participated in this study. Their views on using digital technologies were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which examines how factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions affect their acceptance and use of digital technology. The findings revealed that these students generally have optimistic views on digital technologies, recognizing their role in sustaining speech-language pathology services during emergencies. Findings indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions significantly shape student SLPs' intentions to use digital technologies. Themes beyond the UTAUT framework discovered in the study, such as confidence in one's digital skills and the impact of societal context, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, further emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies addressing both the psychological and practical dimensions of technology adoption. These strategies should ensure that student SLPs are equipped with the necessary skills, confidence, and support to integrate digital tools effectively in their professional practice. Participants emphasized the critical importance of institutional support, comprehensive training, and access to adequate resources to facilitate successful digital technology integration.