Determinants of Mobile Applications Acceptance for English Language Learning in Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of UUM students’ experiences in using mobile applications for English language learning (MAELL) and to investigate factors affecting the students’ intention to MAELL, gender and academic major differences in acceptance of mobile applications for English language learning, as well as barriers to using MAELL. A quantitative method was used to analyze data collected from 675 participants in Malaysia. The result indicated that Mobile applications have already become a necessity for UUM students and the majority of them (82.5 %) had previous experience using MAELL. Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, and self-management of learning were all significant factors that affect students’ intention to use MAELL. Gender and academic major differences in acceptance of MAELL were also examined. Additionally, barriers to using MAELL were discussed in terms of English language learning issues. Finally, this study discusses implications, limitations, and proposed areas for future study. This study adds to the knowledge of how to use smartphones for language learning and provides useful insights on the acceptance of MAELL.