Agent-based Model for the Analysis of Technological Acceptance of Mobile Learning

Abstract

Learning through mobile devices (mobile learning) has been positioning as an alternative to mitigate the difficulties of coverage, mobility, accessibility and interactivity in the teaching and learning process in university students. However, there are still limited studies about factors of adoption, appropriation and distribution of mobile learning, to help to understand the diffusion process of virtual learning tools in students. On this research, our goal is to examine the factors that influence the intention to use virtual learning tools by university students. The proposed methodology is based on the construction of an agent-based model developed on NetLogo to simulate the process of heterogeneous adoption through individual behaviors and interactions. The results have been validated in depth interviews with 15 teachers with experience in mobile learning, and it observed that the developed model (called AMOL) explains the behavior of the intended use of m-learning in institutions of higher education. As results, it showed that encourage the experience of using virtual learning tools for elementary and high school education is the best strategy to provide university students a greater adoption of mobile devices for learning purposes.