Adaption of M-Learning as a Tool in Blended Learning- A Case Study in AOU Bahrain

Abstract

This research work is oriented to measure the acceptance of mobile learning as blended learning tool in Arab Open University, Bahrain branch. Mobile learning is a rapidly growing method of learning that utilizes mobile devices to deliver content. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to gather the data. The study explains the important factors that influence acceptance of mobile learning among university students. The population of the survey was limited to undergraduate students in Arab Open University (AOU); this population was chosen because AOU is the only university that applied m-learning in Bahrain. Out of 130 students contacted, response rate was high at approximately 95%. The study investigated the impact of a number of factors on students' attitudes towards acceptance of m-learning in AOU, the student’s perspective of future of m-learning, and the overall attitudes towards m-learning. The results show that some of the independent m-learning metrics affect students ' attitudes towards m-learning, like mobile usage in educational sector and wireless technology. While some other metrics found to have significant effect on student's attitudes, like: university commitments, behavioural intentions and extrinsic influence. Also, the study exposes that students generally have positive attitudes towards m-learning.