Mobile learning acceptance among students of Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand

Abstract

The rapid growth of mobile technology will push educational institutions to adopt mobile learning (m-learning). It has the potential to allow students to more closely integrate with learning activities in their lives. However, its adoption and level of use is low in Thailand compared to other countries. This study aims to measure and understand students’ perceptions on the use of m-learning in Thailand education system. Besides, this study is also interested in identifying factors that affect the adoption of m-learning in Thailand. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used as theoretical framework towards understanding the adoption of m-learning. The quantitative method was applied to collect primary data from 200 Ramkhamhaeng University (RU) students who use m-learning. The findings reveal that the majority of RU students were optimistic with the use of m-learning in Thailand education. They believed that m-learning offers new learning experience, and could help them to access course materials anywhere and anytime. In addition, it was discovered that only three factors contributed significantly towards adoption of m-learning among RU students. The factors were Thai Social Influence, Student Readiness, and Quality of Content. Thai Social Influence was found to be the most influential factor in the model. On the other hand, factors such as Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Network Accessibility were found to insignificantly contribute predictors on m-learning adoption. Finally, tests conducted along the different individual characteristics reveal that prior experience has significant affect on their behavioural intention to use. However, gender and faculty variables would not affect their intention to use m-learning. This research provides useful information in the understanding students’ acceptance of m-learning in RU. Moreover, it also gives perspectives to RU and other institutions who want to integrate m-learning system into their curricula.