Applying the time continuum model of motivation to explain how major factors affect mobile learning motivation: a comparison of SEM and fsQCA
ISSN: 1468-4527
Article publication date: 3 January 2022
Issue publication date: 26 September 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Studying mobile learning – the use of electronic devices (i.e. cellphone and tablets) to engage in learning across multiple contexts via connection to peers, media, experts and the larger world is a relatively new academic enterprise. This study analyzes the influencing factors of mobile learning (M-learning) motivation based on the time continuum model of motivation (TCMM).
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to verify relationships between mobile learning motivation, attitude, need, stimulation, emotion, ability and reinforcement. Justification for the use of both methods lies in the complementarity relationships that existed between the variables and research methodologies. The sample contains 560 mobile learners' feedback.
Findings
Results show that attitude, need, emotion, ability and reinforcement are important factors to enhance mobile learning motivation, while stimulation is not.
Practical implications
This work highlights the importance of training for app designers on how to design an M-learning App with high learning motivation by paying prior attention to learning content, teaching team and online learning communities.
Originality/value
This study proposes three precise solutions (scholars, managers and practitioners) to improve learning motivation based on the categorization of mobile learners.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-04-2021-0226.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is supported by the National Statistics Research Project of China (2016LY96), Teaching Reforms and Research Project of Jiangsu University (2017JGYB008).
Author's contribution: All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.
Ethical statement: The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Jiangsu University. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Citation
Fan, M., Ndavi, J.W., Qalati, S.A., Huang, L. and Pu, Z. (2022), "Applying the time continuum model of motivation to explain how major factors affect mobile learning motivation: a comparison of SEM and fsQCA", Online Information Review, Vol. 46 No. 6, pp. 1095-1114. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-04-2021-0226
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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