MALL as a Language Learning Tool for Saudi EFL University Learners: An Empirical Study With Reference to TAM

Abstract

Veteran US technology writer and publisher Fred Davis defined the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as characterized by perceived usefulness and usefulness by users. However, these attitudes are largely determined by external variables such as age, gender, and social set up. This study aims to apply an extended conceptual framework of TAM to examine the adoption of MALL by English-major students, encompassing variables such as perceived enjoyment, instructor support, and MALL interactivity as exogenous factors. A questionnaire was administered to 392 English-major students at King Saud University, employing a cross-sectional research design. Using AMOS version 26.0, results from confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the study constructs. The structural model results demonstrated a statistically significant impact of external variables – perceived enjoyment, MALL interactivity, and instructor support – on students' perceptions of MALL usefulness and ease of use. As a result, students' perceived usefulness and ease of use significantly influenced their intention to adopt MALL for language learning. The model accounted for 62% of the variance in MALL tools adoption among Saudi English major students. In conclusion, the extended TAM framework effectively explains the adoption of MALL by Saudi English major students.