Investigating Mobile Learning Adoption Level in terms of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate students’ adoption of mobile learning in the distance education process in terms of various variables within the frame of diffusion of innovations theory. Participants of the current study, which was designed in single survey model, one of quantitative research methods, consisted of 386 students studying at a state university in Turkey. The data of this study was gathered by using “Mobile Learning (M-Learning) Adoption Scale”. During the analysis process parametric and non-parametric analysis methods were used with regard to features of the data. In the light of the results obtained from the current study, it was revealed that the students considered themselves as highly competent in regard to adopting m-learning, m-learning adoption levels of males were higher compared to females, as for the decision type the students adopted mobile learning “willingly”. It was ascertained that distance education students were often at the “adoption”, “implementation” and “confirmation” levels in terms of decision phase. In addition, it was detected that the students had mostly “early majority” features with respect to m-learning innovator features. In accordance with the results of the research, it was suggested that the students’ mobile learning adoption levels could be related to their learning experiences; therefore, including experiences related to mobile technology use in higher education is recommended.