INVESTIGATING BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS TOWARDS ADOPTION OF M-LEARNING IN HEIs OF PAKISTAN

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.