Predictors Influencing Urban and Rural Area students to Use Tablet Computers as Learning Tools: Combination of UTAUT and TTF Models

Abstract

University students use various ICT-based media a goal to help them learn. The Chinese government is also increasing the use of ICT tools in the education sector because they relate to university students’ learning outcomes. Several universities in China provide tablet computer facilities as learning tools for their university students. These learning tools are widely used in the country because they have many benefits in educational settings. For instance, they are paperless, practical, and portable and support sustainable education. Although tablets provide many benefits, their use as learning tools is not necessarily accepted by university students. Knowing the factors influencing the intention to use them as a learning tool increases their effective utilization by college university students. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors predicted to relate to the intention and actual usage of tablet computers by university students in urban and rural areas. It combined the TTF model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT-2). The study sample comprised 232 university students in rural and 214 university students in urban areas. Data were analyzed using the partial least squares statistical technique to examine the structural model and test the initial hypothesis. The results showed that the intention of university students in the village to use tablet computers as learning media is influenced by hedonic motivation and task technology fit. In contrast, habit and task technology fit is the most significant factor for university students in urban areas to use tablet computers as learning tools.