Future Directions of Mobile Learning Based on User Acceptance

Future Directions of Mobile Learning Based on User Acceptance

As wireless technology becomes more advanced, mobile devices become more affordable and easier to use. Due to the technological change, mobile learning gets more attention from both researchers and practitioners looking for ways to utilize it in teaching and learning. Although the researches provide very valuable insights into trends and issues of mobile learning, there are few articles that examine user acceptance of mobile learning. In order to adopt and disseminate mobile learning in the field of education, investigating the readiness and intentions of potential learners is crucial. Previous research indicated that little research had been conducted on the factors affecting users’ acceptance of, and intentions for, adopting mobile learning (Liu, Han & Li, 2010; Wang, Wu & Wang, 2009; Wang & Wang, 2010). Hence, this paper aims to identify the directions of initiating and implementing mobile learning. The study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) What kinds of research models are proposed to understand users’ acceptance of, and intentions for using mobile learning? (2) What are the variables in the models investigated? (3) What types of research methods have been employed in each article? (4) What are the research outcomes? Related articles from three reputable academic databases from the beginning of 2000 to December 2013 were retrieved and analyzed. This study would help developers and stakeholders better understand the user acceptance process to support their decision making and planning on mobile learning.