Behavioral intentions and influencing factors of learning through mobile devices in medical education: A developing country's perspective

Abstract

Introduction

Mobile devices (m-devices) are transforming the global landscape of education. These handheld gadgets enhance medical students’ learning simultaneously. This study looked into the behavioral intentions of Pakistani medical students toward learning through m-devices.

Methods

Uses & gratifications theory and theory of planned behavior were adopted as conceptual frameworks. Data were collected from 310 medical students from 1^st year to 5^th year. The study used structural equation modeling to assess its hypotheses.

Results and Discussion

The results of this empirical investigation indicated that medical students opted for m-learning with the motivation of information-seeking and trust. Moreover, medical students perceived behavioral control is affected by information-seeking, trust, attitude, and subjective norms. Whereas, attitude, perceived behavioral control, information-seeking, and trust are positively associated with the behavioral intentions of medical students when they use their m-devices for academic purposes.

Practical implications

This study will shed light on several of practical implications for concerned policymakers to create strategies that will directly leverage m-learning in medical education from the eyes of less-resourced country (Pakistan). Moreover, this proposed conceptual model could increase the awareness of medical institutions and facilitate dealing with the impacts of these factors on students’ behavior.

Significance of the Study

To the best of our knowledge, this study is among a few attempts to understand medical students’ motivational factors behind their behavioral intentions while using m-devices academically. Resultantly, this study adds to the theoretical understanding of the variables influencing Pakistani medical students’ m-learning behavioral intention in this setting. Secondly, this proposed conceptual model could increase the awareness of medical institutions and facilitate dealing with the impacts of these factors on students’ behavior.