Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that affect students' behavioral intentions to use virtual classrooms at Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was adopted, an online survey method was used and the data were collected among students at PSUT in Jordan. A total of 511 responses were usable for analysis. A structural equation modeling partial least squares technique was used to examine the hypothesized model. Findings: The findings reveal that the proposed factors have direct and indirect relationships with behavioral intentions to use virtual classrooms. They show that students' satisfaction has a direct influence on behavioral intention, while other variables such as instructor characteristics, virtual classroom quality, perceived self-efficacy, perceived organizational support, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness have an indirect effect on behavioral intentions to use virtual classrooms. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted at PSUT in Jordan, which could limit the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, the present study measured students' behavioral intentions to use virtual classrooms and future research should consider the actual use of virtual classrooms. Practical implications: The findings of this study offer significant and useful information to policymakers, instructors, developers and students regarding the use of virtual classrooms in universities. Based on students' needs and readiness, the findings identify which factors to consider when developing an e-learning system to enhance learning and teaching performance. Originality/value: This study extends existing knowledge by developing a conceptual model to identify the key factors of virtual classroom adoption in higher education institutions in Arab countries. This study contributes to the literature in the context of e-learning by validating an extended technology acceptance model from an Arab countries perspective and considering the differences in culture, learning style and physical environment compared to developed countries.