A quantitative examination of user experience as an antecedent to student perception in technology acceptance modeling

Internet-enabled mobile devices have increased the accessibility of learning content for students. Given the ubiquitous nature of mobile computing technology, a thorough understanding of the acceptance factors that impact a learner's intention to use mobile technology as an augment to their studies is warranted. Student acceptance of mobile learning is critical to the success implementation of the mobile learning component of non-traditional learning environments such as hybrid and fully online courses. This study investigates the impact of students' prior experience using mobile technology on their intention to use mobile technology to facilitate learning in a blended environment. In a study of 152 community college students, the intention to use mobile technology for hybrid learning was measured and it was found that students' intention to use mobile technology was highly correlated with their perceptions of the utility and ease of use of the technology. As an antecedent to perceived utility, prior experience was shown to be positively correlated. In contrast, the results of this study found prior experience to be negatively correlated with perceived ease of use. These results suggest a need for further research in this area with practical significance for evaluating the efficacy of mobile technology for learning while providing guidance for its implementation as a learning platform.