Mobile Learning in University Contexts Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the factors that significantly influence the acceptance and intent to use smartphones and tables as resources for learning in university contexts, as well as the relationships established between them. For their analysis, we followed a contextualized model of evaluation starting with the methodological framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), proposed by Venkatesh and collaborators (2003). For this, a data collection instrument was designed, validated to our context and optimized for mobile learning and the education community. A total of 370 university students participated in the study. From the statistical analysis conducted, it was shown that the instrument constructed had a notable internal consistency, showing a high validity for collecting information in relation to five of the eight factors of which it was composed, although it should be revised in relation to the other three. Also, through the data collected, a high pre-disposition was observed for the use of mobile devices for learning, with a direct effect on the constructs validated, as well as the socio-demographic variables (age, gender, degree year and field of knowledge) that could be considered moderating variables of this pre-disposition. Although these results could be put into context in future studies, it can be concluded that the instrument design can be a good indicator of the pre-disposition towards the use of mobile learning strategies.