Abstract:

Mobile devices have been gaining popularity and mobile penetration rate had been increasing from years to years. Thus, new forms of learning and paradigm shift known as mobile learning had emerged and gain attention from the researchers. Various mobile learning acceptance studies had been conducted, but mostly focus on education and academic field. Limited mobile learning acceptance studies conducted in a workplace setting, especially in Malaysia. Hence, this study will fill up the knowledge gap by examining mobile learning acceptance by semiconductor workers in Penang, Malaysia for professional training.

Modified version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model is used as a theoretical foundation in this study with an additional two independent variables, perceived playfulness and perceived value added. Quantitative methodology was applied and web survey was distributed to collect data from 100 factory workers through a four-point Likert scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted through mean, standard deviation, reliability test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient Statistic.

The results indicate that effort expectancy, social influence, perceived playfulness and perceived value added were the significant factors that affect behavioral intention to use mobile learning. However, performance expectancy was not a significant factor that affect behavioral intention to use mobile learning in the workplace. Based on the result of this study, even though the employee acceptance level towards the acceptance level of mobile learning is moderately high, the future is promising and it is feasible to implement mobile learning in workplace settings.

Keywords:

Mobile learning, Malaysia, Acceptance factor, Semiconductor worker, Professional training.