Exploring drivers of using m-learning: a qualitative approach / Azwah Mas Sohor

Recent developments in mobile and wireless technology have changed the way to communicate and in daily lives also have a significant impact on learning sector in Malaysia. The objectives of this research to explore the factors that drive urban poor to use m-learning as a method of self-directed learning and to provide recommendation to improve m-learning usage for urban poor in Selangor. To achieve objectives in this research, a qualitative approach has been used in this research in order to identify the factor of usage m-learning and recommendation to improve m-learning usage among urban poor. The method use in research is qualitative method. The survey has open-ended question will ask about the factor of using m-learning among urban poor and recommendation of m-learning usage among them. The interview has been held to collect data to support in this research. The result indicate that the factors of using m-learning as self-directed learning for urban poor in Selangor can be categorized into five; ease of use, perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions, social influence and perceived playfulness. The recommendation can be categorized into four; connectivity, user interface, supportive and informative. Future work can focus on specific working sector for urban poor such as engineering, medicine, humanities, and arts to figure out the ideal disciplines for adoption of this medium of education. Effectiveness of m-learning programs depends on the field of study. For example, courses related to business and liberal arts require a limited set of software, which can either be acquired free of cost or at a very low price; whereas, courses related to information technology (IT) and engineering require a much larger set of applications, which generally are expensive and require frequent updating. Moreover, the types of students that will be more comfortable with this medium can be identified in future research.