Factors Affecting Mobile Learning Acceptance in Higher Education: An Empirical Study

The use of mobile tools to support learning and teaching activities has become a significant part of the informal learning process. Mobile learning (M-learning) is used to considerably develop the forms of learning activities made by learners, and support the learning process. The effective application of M-learning in higher educational institutions, however, is based on the learners’ adoption. It is therefore essential to define and investigate the factors affecting the desire of learners to use and adopt M-learning. Thus, this research investigates the factors affecting students’ intention to adopt M-learning in institutions of higher education. To achieve the objectives of this research, a model is proposed based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The instrument is developed using validated items from previous studies and shreds of literature. Data for this quantitative study are collected from undergraduate and postgraduate students. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) is used to analyze the data collected from 218 participants using a survey questionnaire. The findings show that students’ intention to adopt M-learning is shaped by various variables consisting of personnel innovativeness, self-management, facilitating conditions, social influence, relative advantage, and effort expectancy. The research results also present several practical contributions and implications for M-learning adoption in terms of research and practice. Investigation of the required determinants may contribute to gain learners’ adoption and is important to enhance the learning experience of students and help them improve their knowledge and academic achievement. The contribution of this paper lies in defining the factors influencing the acceptance and use of M-learning systems by students of higher education in Palestine. Hopefully, the results of the study are valuable for policy-makers in designing comprehensive M-learning systems.