Abstract:
Mobile computing, as prognosticated in the ubiquitous computing vision, is increasingly becoming
a predominant aspect of contemporary computing in organisations and society. The penetration of
mobile phones in sub-Sahara Africa has occurred with amazing rapidity: for many young people,
they now represent a very significant element of their daily lives. Africa has a booming global cell
phone penetration, at 67.5%, the fastest growing mobile market in the world. Adoption of these
emerging technologies for socio-economic development may contribute to the betterment of
people’s lives. Mobile learning has the potential to transform higher education through the adoption
of mobile devices which support ubiquitous learning.
The purpose of this current study is to develop an Integrated Framework Model (IFM) for mobile
learning usability (MLU) evaluation of e-books through the integration of the Technology
Acceptance Model and Task Technology Fit theory. The Technology Acceptance Model is widely
used in studies relating to technology acceptance. The Task-Technology Fit theory has been used
in Information Systems together with usability as a measure of performance. Two additional
constructs, namely, Social Influence and Perceived Enjoyment were adopted from the Unified
Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model and from Motivational Models. Integrating
the Technology Acceptance Model and Task-Technology Fit theory provides a model that includes
the individual characteristics (Technology Acceptance Model) and the technology and task
characteristics (Task Technology Fit).
A quantitative research design was primarily employed. A pilot study was administered as a guide
for the main study questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on the constructs in the IFM. The
pilot study consisted of participants registered for a module, called Computer Security, at the
Central University of Technology. The main study participants were students registered for Oracle
and CCNA short courses. The results of the study reveal that individual characteristics, task
characteristics and technology characteristics positively influence the usability of e-books in higher
education. Usability positively influences adoption, which in turn influences performance among
students in higher education.
