Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Examining EFL instructors’ and students’ perceptions and acceptance toward M-learning in higher education

  • Long Paper
  • Published:
Universal Access in the Information Society Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Due to the rapid development of mobile technologies, the perceptions and acceptance relating to mobile learning have been changing over the last few decades. The concepts surrounding these two factors seem to be undetermined and incomprehensible for many EFL teachers and learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived perceptions and perceived acceptance on mobile learning (M-learning) held by university EFL instructors and students. Two sets of questionnaires were developed, piloted and refined, and then were administered to 52 instructors and 319 students from various universities throughout Taiwan. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive data, t test, and a one-way ANOVA. The results indicated that both the instructors and students had high levels of perception and acceptance toward M-learning for EFL. A positive relationship between perception and acceptance was perceived with the level of perception positively associated with the acceptance of M-learning. Analysis of the results indicated significant differences in terms of participants’ background characteristics. Most notably, the younger the instructor, the higher the level of perception and acceptance of M-learning. Finally, several pedagogical implications were made toward M-learning and it is the responsibility of the EFL educators to integrate M-learning into their classrooms and made M-learning available for their students.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abu-Al-Aish, A., Love, S.: Factors influencing students’ acceptance of m-learning: an investigation in higher education. Int. Rev. Res. Open Distance Learn. 14(5), 82–107 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Amin, A., Mahmood, A., Abidin, A., Rahman, M.: M-learning management tool development in campus-wide environment. Issues Informing Sci. Inf. Technol. 3, 423–434 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Baran, E.: A review of research on mobile learning in teacher education. Educ. Technol. Soc. 17, 417–432 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Burston, J.: Twenty years of MALL project implementation: a meta-analysis of learning outcomes. Recall 27(1), 4–20 (2015). doi:10.1017/S0958344014000159

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Chen, C.M., Chung, C.J.: Personalized mobile English vocabulary learning system based on item response theory and learning memory cycle. Comput. Educ. 51(2), 624–645 (2008). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2007.06.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Chen, C.M., Hsu, S.H.: Personalized intelligent mobile learning system for supporting effective English learning. Educ. Technol. Soc. 11(3), 153–180 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Cheon, J., Lee, S., Crooks, S.M., Song, J.: An investigation of mobile learning readiness in higher education based on the theory of planned behavior. Comput. Educ. 59(3), 1054–1064 (2012). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.04.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Cui, Y., Bull, S.: Context and learner modelling for the mobile foreign language learner. System 33(2), 353–367 (2005). doi:10.1016/j.system.2004.12.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Dye, A., Solstad, B.E.K., Odingo, J.A.: Mobile education—a glance at the future. Retrieved from http://nettskolen.nki.no/forskning/mobile_education.pdf (2003)

  10. García-Peñalvo, F.J., Conde, M.Á.: The impact of a mobile personal learning environment in different educational contexts. Univ. Access Inf. Soc. 14(3), 375–387 (2015). doi:10.1007/s10209-014-0366-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Gikas, J., Grant, M.M.: Mobile computing devices in higher education: student perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media. Internet High. Educ. 19, 18–26 (2013). doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2013.06.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Gromik, N.A.: Cell phone video recording feature as a language learning tool: a case study. Comput. Educ. 58(1), 223–230 (2012). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.06.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Hsu, C.K., Hwang, G.J., Chang, C.K.: A personalized recommendation-based mobile learning approach to improving the reading performance of EFL students. Comput. Educ. 63, 327–336 (2013). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.12.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Hsu, L.: English as a foreign language learners’ perception of mobile assisted language learning: a cross-national study. Comput. Assist. Lang. Learn. 26(3), 197–213 (2013). doi:10.1080/09588221.2011.649485

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Huang, Y.M., Huang, Y.M., Huang, S.H., Lin, Y.T.: A ubiquitous English vocabulary learning system: evidence of active/passive attitudes vs. usefulness/ease-of-use. Comput. Educ. 58(1), 273–282 (2012). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.08.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Jia, J., Chen, Y., Ding, Z., Ruan, M.: Effects of a vocabulary acquisition and assessment system on students’ performance in a blended learning class for English subject. Comput. Educ. 58(1), 63–76 (2012). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.08.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Jokela, T., Koivumaa, J., Pirkola, J., Salminen, P., Kantola, N.: Methods for quantitative usability requirements: a case study on the development of the user interface of a mobile phone. Pers. Ubiquit. Comput. 10(6), 345–355 (2006). doi:10.1007/s00779-005-0050-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Ke, F., Hsu, Y.C.: Mobile augmented-reality artifact creation as a component of mobile computer-supported collaborative learning. Internet High. Educ. 26, 33–41 (2015). doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2015.04.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Keegan, D.: The Future of Learning: From E-Learning to M-Learning. Fern Universität, Gesamthochschule, Hagen (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Khwaileh, F.M., AlJarrah, A.A.: Graduate students’ perceptions toward mobile-learning (M-learning) at the University of Jordan. Instr. Technol. 7(10), 15–23 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Kim, D., Rueckert, D., Seo, D., Kim, D.: Student’s perceptions and experiences of mobile learning. Lang. Learn. Technol. 17(3), 52–73 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Kukulska-Hulme, A.: How should the higher education workforce adapt to advancements in technology for teaching and learning? Internet High. Educ. 15(4), 247–254 (2012). doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2011.12.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Martin-Dorta, N., Saorin, J.L., Contero, M.: Web-based spatial training using handheld touch screen devices. Educ. Technol. Soc. 14(3), 163–177 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Mnaathr, S.H., Basha, A.D., Mohain, A.R., Jamaludin, R.: Investigating and finding the attitudes and self efficiency of learners in Iraqi higher education by using portable devices. Int. J. Eng. Res. Dev. 6(12), 112–118 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Najimi, A., Lee, J. (2009). Why and how mobile learning can make a difference in the K-16 classroom? Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference, Chesapeake, VA

  26. O’ Malley, C., Vavoula, G., Glew, J.P., Taylor, J., Sharples, M., Lefrere, P.: MobiLearn: WP-Guidelines for Learning/Teaching/Tutoring in a Mobile Environment. Retrieved from http://www.mobilearn.org/download/results/guidelines.pdf (2003)

  27. Ott, M.: School of the future: E-tools and new pedagogies to build up an inclusive learning community. In: Ordóñez de Pablos, P. (ed.) Technology Enhanced Learning for People with Disabilities: Approaches and Applications: Approaches and Applications, pp. 105–120. Information Science Reference (2010). doi:10.4018/978-1-61520-923-1

  28. Parmaxi, A., Zaphiris, P., Papadima-Sophocleous, S., Ioannou, A.: Mapping the landscape of computer-assisted language learning: an inventory of research. Interact. Technol. Smart Educ. 10(4), 252–269 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Proctor, M.D., Marks, Y.: A survey of exemplar teachers’ perceptions, use, and access of computer-based games and technology for classroom instruction. Comput. Educ. 62, 171–180 (2013). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Rau, P.L.P., Gao, Q., Wu, L.M.: Using mobile communication technology in high school education: motivation, pressure, and learning performance. Comput. Educ. 50(1), 1–22 (2008). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2006.03.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Sandberg, J., Maris, M., De Geus, K.: Mobile English learning: an evidence-based study with fifth graders. Comput. Educ. 57(1), 1334–1347 (2011). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.01.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Santos, I.M., Ali, N.: Exploring the uses of mobile phones to support informal learning. Educ. Inf. Technol. 17(2), 187–203 (2012). doi:10.1007/s10639-011-9151-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Sharples, M.: The design of personal mobile technologies for lifelong learning. Comput. Educ. 34(3–4), 177–193 (2000). doi:10.1016/S0360-1315(99)00044-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Stockwell, G.: Using mobile phones for vocabulary activities: examining the effect of the platform. Lang. Learn. Technol. 14(2), 95–110 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Tan, T.H., Liu, T.Y.: The mobile-based interactive learning environment (MOBILE) and a case study for assisting elementary school English learning. In: Proceedings of the 2004 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies. Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE Computer Society. Retrievable from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org (2004)

  36. Thomas, K.M., O’Bannon, B.W., Britt, V.G.: Standing in the schoolhouse door: teacher perceptions of mobile phones in the classroom. J. Res. Technol. Educ. 46(4), 373–395 (2014). doi:10.1080/15391523.2014.925686

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Thornton, P., Houser, C.: M-learning: Learning in transit. In: Lewis, P. (ed.) The Changing Face of Call: A Japanese Perspective, pp. 229–243. Swets & Zeitlinger, Lisse (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  38. Thornton, P., Houser, C.: Using mobile phones in English education in Japan. J. Comput. Assist. Learn. 21(3), 217–228 (2005). doi:10.1111/j.1365-2729.2005.00129.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Union IT: ITU releases 2014 ICT figures. Retrieved from http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/statistics/Pages/default.aspx (2014)

  40. Viberg, O., Grönlund, Å.: Cross-cultural analysis of users’ attitudes toward the use of mobile devices in second and foreign language learning in higher education: a case from Sweden and China. Comput. Educ. 69, 169–180 (2013). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2013.07.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Wang, M.J.: Web based projects enhancing English language and generic skills development for Asian hospitality industry students. Aust. J. Educ. Technol. Soc. 25(5), 611–626 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Woukeu, A., Millard, D.E., Tao, F., Davis, H.C.: Challenges for semantic grid based mobile learning. Paper Presented at the IEEE SITIS Conference, Yaounde, Cameroon (2005)

  43. Wu, W.H., Wu, Y.C., Chen, C.Y., Kao, H.Y., Lin, C.H., Huang, S.H.: Review of trends from mobile learning studies: a meta-analysis. Comput. Educ. 59(2), 817–827 (2012). doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.03.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan under Grant MOST103-2410-H-324-012.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied English, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168 Jifong E. Rd., Wufong District, Taichung City, 41349, Taiwan, ROC

    Kate Tzu-Ching Chen

Authors
  1. Kate Tzu-Ching Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kate Tzu-Ching Chen.

Appendix

Appendix

See Table 7.

Table 7 Survey items of instructor’s and students’ perceptions and acceptance toward M-learning
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, K.TC. Examining EFL instructors’ and students’ perceptions and acceptance toward M-learning in higher education. Univ Access Inf Soc 16, 967–976 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-016-0494-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-016-0494-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation