Understanding mobile learning adoption in higher education. An empirical investigation in the context of the mobile library
| Date | 02 October 2017 |
| Published date | 02 October 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2016-0093 |
| Pages | 846-860 |
| Author | Chunmei Gan,Hongxiu Li,Yong Liu |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
Understanding mobile learning
adoption in higher education
An empirical investigation in the context
of the mobile library
Chunmei Gan
School of Information Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
Hongxiu Li
Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland, and
Yong Liu
Department of Information and Service Economy,
Aalto University School of Business, Aalto, Finland
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to examine the factors drivingan individual’s behavioural intention to adopt
mobile learningin higher education.
Design/methodology/approach –Data were collected from university students in China via a survey. A
total of 192 valid responses were collected. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the research model.
Findings –The results show that both task and technology characteristics have significant impacts on
task-technology fit (TTF), which in turn influences attitude. And attitude significantly affects behavioural
intention. Regarding the factors, attitude was found to be the most influential predictor of mobile library
adoption intention. In addition, the resultsprovide strong support for the moderating effects of gender and
experienceon the relationship between TTF and behaviouralintention.
Originality/value –Extant research on mobile learning has mainly focused on investigating how user
perceptions of mobile technology affect user adoption but has rarely considered the impact of TTF. This
study attemptsto fill this gap.
Keywords Mobile learning, Mobile library, Task-technology fit, User adoption
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The advances in mobile technology and the increasingly rapid proliferation of mobile
devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are changing learning processes. A new form
of learning known as mobile learning has emerged (Tan et al., 2014). Mobile devices can
be used to access a variety of information anytime and anywhere. This feature offers
students greater flexibility and convenience in accessing rich digital resources, allowing
them to learn independent of time and location (Liu et al., 2010a,2010b;Reychav et al.,
2015). According to Cheon et al. (2012), mobile learning now plays a significant role in
formal education, and college students are increasingly using mobile devices in their
studies in or outside the classroom (Ravizza et al., 2014;Reychav et al., 2015). For
This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China
(71403301).
EL
35,5
846
Received20 April 2016
Revised27 September 2016
Accepted13 November 2016
TheElectronic Library
Vol.35 No. 5, 2017
pp. 846-860
© Emerald Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/EL-04-2016-0093
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