Modification and Revalidation of the M-Learning Acceptance Model

Abstract

This paper aims to further test and validate the psychometric properties of an instrument developed by Abu-Al-Aish and Love (2013) that measures the acceptance of mobile learning by students in higher education. The original instrument is based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and has six factors: (1) performance expectancy, (2) effort expectancy, (3) social influence (lecturers), (4) quality of service, (5) personal innovativeness, and (6) behavioral intention. It was the researchers’ goal to examine the measurement properties and factor structure of the M-Learning Acceptance model after it was revised to investigate Japanese college students’ acceptance of mobile technologies for informal English-language learning. The original instrument has a 5-point rating scale; however, due to cultural differences, all Likert-like scale items were changed to a 4-point rating scale. The instrument was translated into the Japanese language. After conducting a pilot study, the modified paper-based instrument was administered to college students enrolled in required English-learning courses at a private mid-size university in Japan. Over 900 students completed the instrument. Results of an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis conducted with SPSS and M-Plus confirm that the model is a valid instrument with sound psychometric properties.