Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been providing an opportunity to demonstrate the importance and capability for e-learning to deliver quality learning for many universities. In higher education, e-learning systems, such as mobile learning (m-learning) applications, have many valuable advantages for students. This study addresses the students' intention to continue using m-learning applications in higher education after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on students’ intention to continue using m-learning applications. Specifically, a research model is proposed to explore the antecedents of continuance intention and the relationships among variables identified in the literature on e-learning acceptance in higher education. To evaluate the proposed model, data were collected from 282 students of Taif University, Saudi Arabia, who responded to an online questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling. The proposed model was able to explain 83% of the behavioral intention of m-learning applications. The results reveal that perceived usefulness and satisfaction affect attitude, and attitude subsequently affects continuance intention. In addition, perceived effectiveness and satisfaction indirectly affect continuance intention. Students’ gender did not moderate the relationship between their attitudes and will to continue using m-learning applications. The study results provide a valuable guide for application designers, universities, and policymakers to ensure the students' intention to continue using m-learning applications in higher education.
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This study was financially supported via a funding grant by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University Researchers Supporting Project, Grant Number TURSP-2020/300, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
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Appendix
Appendix
Construct | Items | Measure |
|---|---|---|
Behavioral Intention (BI) | BI1 I intend to continue use M-learning Application in the future BI2 I plan to continue use M-learning Application in the future BI3 I would continue to use M-learning application regularly in the future BI4 My overall intention to continue use M-learning Application in the future is very high | [18] |
Attitude (ATT) | ATT1 I believe that continue using M-learning application is a good idea ATT2 Studying is more interesting with M-learning Application ATT3 I believe that continue using M-learning application is advisable ATT4 I believe that M-learning Application gives me the opportunity to acquire new knowledge ATT5 I believe that M-learning Application enhances my learning experience | [15] |
Satisfaction (SA) | SA1 I was satisfied with my decision to take this course via M-learning Application SA2 If I had an opportunity to take another course via M-learning Application, I would gladly do so SA3 My choice to take this course via M-learning Application was a wise one SA4 I was very satisfied with the M-learning application SA5 I will take as many courses via M-learning Application as I can | [19] |
Perceived compatibility (PCM) | PCM1 The m-learning application is meet for my needs PCM2 The m-learning application fits well with the way in which I like to learn PCM3 I like to learn through the m-learning application | [6] |
Perceived usefulness (PU) | PU1 I believe m-learning applications are useful in my learning PU2 Using m-learning applications enables me to accomplish learning activities more quickly PU3 Using m-learning applications increases my learning productivity PU4 If I use m-learning applications, I increase my chances of getting a better Grade | [20] |
Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) | PEOU1 I find m-learning application easy to use PEOU2 I learned to use the m-learning application easily PEOU3 I found the m-learning application clear and understandable PEOU4 It is easy for me to get the knowledge that I need through the m-learning application | [20] |
Perceived self-efficiency (PS-E) | I am confident of using an m-learning application: PS-E1 Even if there is no one around to show me how to do it PS-E2 even if I have never used such an m-learning application before PS-E3 I am confident in my ability to register and use the m-learning application through a smart phone, or tablet PS-E4 for downloading or uploading a file on the m-learning application from a smart phone, or tablet PS-E5 for participating in online group discussions PS-E6 for completing quizzes on the m-learning application from a smart phone, or tablet | [20] |
Perceived Course Quality (PCQ) | PCQ1 in m-learning application, students are provided with information about the course that outlines course objectives, concepts, and main ideas PCQ2 in m-learning application, learning outcomes for the course are summarized in clearly written, straightforward statements PCQ3 in m-learning application, the course content is communicated well PCQ4 in m-learning application, the courses content is up-to-date PCQ5 The fact that M-learning Application are conducted via the Internet means they are of better quality than other (offline) courses | [19] |
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Altalhi, M. Toward the sustainability of mobile learning applications in higher education: an empirical study. Univ Access Inf Soc 23, 1103–1113 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-023-01012-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-023-01012-y