University Students Continuous Use Intentions of Gen AI in the Face of Ethics and Regulations: Examining the Mediating Effect of Training in the TOE Perspective

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) applications are becoming integral to higher education (HE). They offer new avenues for enhanced academic work while also raising concerns related to academic integrity. Grounded in the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, this study examines the mediating role of training in the relationship between regulations, ethics and Gen AI continuous use intentions among students from two Ghanaian universities. Drawing on data from an online survey of 385 undergrads across two (2) universities, structural equation modelling (SEM) was computed to test proposed relationships. Results showed that ethics significantly influence students continuous use intentions, and training serves as a partial mediator, reinforcing the importance of well-structured training programs in translating ethical considerations into practical continuous adoption behaviours. Similarly, regulation had influence on continuous use intentions, and its influence was partially mediated by training. The implication of the study is in two folds: (1) there is the need for universities to design training programs that translates ethical norms of AI use into effective practice, (2) enacting regulatory frameworks is important for long term Gen AI use among students but could be put into effective practice when training is put in place. This would ensure that AI is used responsibly for academic purposes at the continuous basis in universities and other higher education institutions.