Factors determining behavioural intention of nursing students to use mobile learning: an application and extension of the UTAUT model

Abstract

Mobile learning (m-learning) promotes not only the quality of learning process but also learning performance. Therefore, this study proposed a theoretical framework model to predict the factors affecting behavioural intentions of nursing students to use m-learning. We evaluated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model and extended it to include attitude, mobile self-efficacy, and motivation, with mobile literacy as the moderating factor. For this purpose, the structural equation model was used to analyse data from an online survey of 792 nursing students from six universities in Taiwan. The results confirm that: 1) attitude was an important determinant of the behavioural intention of nursing students to use m-learning; 2) amongst the four major constructs of UTAUT, performance expectancy had the most significant impact on behavioural intention; 3) M-SE and motivation were important external factors of PE and effort expectancy; 4) mobile literacy had a significant moderating effect on the relationship among PE, facilitating conditions, and behavioural intention. The results of this study provide support for an extended UTAUT model and significant practical recommendations for researchers, nursing students, and coherent education units, in order to improve the feasibility of m-learning.