Digitalization in higher education: does personal innovativeness matter in digital learning?

Abstract

Purpose The explosion of technology has revolutionized the teaching and learning process in higher education. Students are using the digital technology to aid their learning process. In this sense, digital divide exists among students in higher education as they come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Thus, this study aims to examine the digital usage among the students from the low-income families (B40) in higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach The data was drawn by using an online survey from the undergraduates (low-income families B40) in Malaysia higher education institutions. In total, 391 responses were collected. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling method. Findings The results showed that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions have a significant relationship with digital usage. In addition, personal innovativeness has positive significant effect on performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Research limitations/implications This study sheds light on the students from the lower income family behaviour while using digital technologies for their learning purpose. Originality/value The study further contributes to the new knowledge on students from the low-income family’s behaviour in using digital technology for their learning process.