Abstract:
With the advent of 3G/ 4G technology in Pakistan, Mobile Learning has become a newly
developing educational field, referring to the use of any kind of wireless mobile devices, where
these devices allow the learner to acquire knowledge anytime, anywhere, within and beyond the
traditional learning environment. Ubiquitous access to mobile devices with low cost and greater
functionalities make M-learning an imperative tool, allowing the students to learn irrespective of
time and place. In order to assimilate M-learning in higher education institutes (HEIs) of
Pakistan, there was a need to analyze and examine the users‟ acceptance of the system. The aim
of this study was to analyze the determinants that affect students‟ acceptance of M-learning and
whether age or gender play a moderating role in this acceptance, based on the unified theory of
acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). In order to achieve this objective, a quantitative
approach using a survey based questionnaire was utilized for collection of data. The
questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 625 students from universities operating in
the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. According to the results, 76.4% of behavioral
intention to accept m-learning has been explained through the model. Performance expectancy,
effort expectancy, social influence and attitude towards the use of technology were found to be
positively associated with the behavioral intention towards adopt m-learning, moderated by age
and gender, whereas facilitating conditions and self-management of learning were found to have
no significant effect on behavioral intention. The findings of this research will prove to be useful
for management of higher education institutes in making decisions when designing and
implementing m-learning technology.
