An Empirical Study of Factors Driving the Adoption of Mobile Learning in Omani Higher Education

Mohamed Sarrab,Nabeela Badursha,Ibtisam Al Shibli

doi:10.19173/irrodl.v17i4.2614

Mohamed Sarrab, Nabeela Badursha + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v17i4.2614

Copy DOI

Abstract

<p class="2">Mobile learning (M-learning) provides a new learning channel in which learners can access content and just in time information as required irrespective of the time and location. Even though M-learning is fast evolving in many regions of the world, research addressing the driving factors of M-learning adoption is in short supply. This article focuses on the driving factors in adoption of M-learning and the learner’s perceptions and willingness towards M-learning adoption. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been shown to be a valid and powerful model in mobile and other learning technologies research. Based on Technology Acceptance Model theory, this paper analyzes the influencing factors on M-learning adoption and measure the acceptance of M-learning in Oman. The data collected from 806 participants in 17 different Omani higher education institutions using a survey questionnaire. Some factors of perceived innovative characteristics, such as ease of use, usefulness, enjoyment, suitability, social, and economic were found to have more influence on learners’ adoption of M-learning which help to facilitate and promote future empirical research. This effort is part of funded research project that investigate the development, adoption, and dissemination of M-learning in Oman.</p>

Highlights

The idea of using M-learning in educational and instructional technology field has dramatically evolved in the last decade
M-learning is defined as learning delivered across multiple contexts through social and content interactions, using handheld and mobile technologies such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, or other mobile devices (Sarrab, 2014; Sha, Look, Chen, & Zhang, 2012)
The results show that all items fit their respective factors quite well

Summary

Introduction

The idea of using M-learning in educational and instructional technology field has dramatically evolved in the last decade. An Empirical Study of Factors Driving the Adoption of Mobile Learning in Omani Higher Education Sarrab, Al Shibli, and Badursha educational approaches are developed in order to utilize the benefits of mobile devices effectively for an enhanced learning. M-learning is defined as learning delivered across multiple contexts through social and content interactions, using handheld and mobile technologies such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, or other mobile devices (Sarrab, 2014; Sha, Look, Chen, & Zhang , 2012). Mlearning increases learning flexibility by adapting learning to be more personalized and learner-centered. The mobility and flexibility features offered by mobile devices enable knowledge building by learners in different contexts. A wellimplemented M-learning application can assist in saving the cognitive load by filtering accessible information based on all contextual factors (Chao, Lai, Chen, & Huang, 2013; Sarrab, Elbasir, & Alnaeli, 2016)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion