Acceptance on Mobile Learning via SMS: A Rasch Model Analysis

Abstract

This study investigated whether mobile learning via Short Message Service (SMS-learning) is accepted by the students enrolled in the distance learning academic programme in the Universiti Sains Malaysia. This study explored the impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and usability of the system to their acceptability. The survey was constructed using a questionnaire consisting of statements regarding the participants’ demographics, experiences in and perception of using mobile learning via SMS, involving 105 students from management and sciences disciplines. The Rasch Model Analysis was used for measurement correspond to a 5 point Likert. Results indicated that the usability of the system contributed to be effectiveness in assisting the students with their study. Respondents agree that SMS-learning is easy, effective and useful to help them study. However, the results found that there has been a problem in mobile learning that less interaction with lecturers. It implies that the acceptability of students to this mode on communication and interaction is highly endorsed

Developing and testing an m-Learning tool to facilitate guided-informal learning in agriculture

“…SMS based m-Learning approaches have been adopted in different settings including universities [18], [19] and distance education [20], [21]. SMS is the most basic and simplest form of facility available in any mobile phone thus, use of SMS based approach is also sustainable in terms of costs, efforts, and resources [21].…”

Perceptions and Experience in Mobile Learning via SMS: A Case Study of Distance Education Students in a Malaysian Public University

“…Whereas, Ismail et al [4] focused on learners' perception concerning the satisfaction level of m-learning and Ismail et al found that learners easily get any information that they need at anytime anywhere via SMS [5]. This is also supported by Ally and Stauffer [21] and Lawrence et al [32] in their reports that stated the majority of students agreed that the use of mobile devices to access course material was useful and provided both flexibility and convenience.…”

“…Study by Andersson (2008) found that the main access-issue is not that of having a computer but that of connectivity where it is usually the speed of the connection that is the limiting factor and even those who go to internet cafés find the connection to be too slow for required assignments [3]. Elearning may provide learners with flexibility and convenience [4] as they can access any information at any time them free and like. However, in order to practice elearning, learners must ensure to have access to computers and at the same time provided with technical support to ensure they have sufficient bandwidth available to support the type of online learning applications being used [5].…”

Mobile Learning in the Institution of Higher Learning for Malaysia students : Culture Perspectives

“…The existing challenges in mlearning from cultural perspectives covers in Malaysia: Lack of devices support for mlearning [22]; Inadequate of appropriate mlearning local culture content [32]; Lack of culture aspects in mlearning design content [3][8]; Lack of telecommunication wireless infrastructure in the rural areas [18] [19]. In addition, there are opportunities in mlearning from cultural perspectives in Malaysia: development for variety types of mlearning cultural content; support from government to create mlearning cultural content; students motivation and engagement with potential mlearning cultural content [3] [8].…”

“…On the other hand, there is also the usage of short message services (SMS) which to a certain extent need a good service infrastructure for message delivery [18] [19]. Also, the availability context is referring to the users of the mobile learning technology [33].…”