Factors That Influence Mobile Learning among University Students in Romania

Abstract

During the pandemic years, universities worldwide adopted online teaching on a large scale. Besides desktop systems or laptops, many students also use smartphones for online learning. In our paper, we propose a hybrid theoretical model to analyze the continuance intention to use mobile learning in higher education. The scientific demarche is carried out from different perspectives opened by the models and theories integrated in a unitary approach. In addition to the main constructs taken from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research model was enriched with new capabilities by considering the Motivational Model (MM), Flow Theory (FT) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The research model was applied to the Romanian higher education environment and proved that perceived usefulness (PU), habit (HB), perceived skill (PS), and self-efficacy (SE) directly influence the continuance intention to use (CU) smartphones in higher education. Further, performance expectancy (PFE), intrinsic motivation (IM), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and perceived enjoyment (PE) indirectly influence the continuance intention to use (CU). We presented our results according to top studies on the critical challenges and factors influencing smart mobile learning success usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we found that Romanian universities provide excellent IT infrastructure and top management support and that creating habits of using m-learning in the context of university classes will strengthen the university culture. The conclusions of the undertaken research represent a starting point in the diversification and flexibility of educational processes in Romanian universities.