With the emergence of web technologies, students can conduct their group projects via virtual platforms, which enable online collaboration. However, students' lack of intention to use web technologies for conducting group work has recently been highlighted. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper developed and examined an extended model, specifying what factors affect e‐collaborative intentions. Data were collected from major tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. A total of 1120 students completed the questionnaire. The partial least square approach to structural equation modelling was used to analyse the a priori hypothesised model, which was empirically supported. Past experience and self‐esteem were found to play substantial roles in explaining e‐collaborative intentions. Moreover, the mediating roles of attitudes and perceived behavioural control were confirmed.