Behavioral Intentions of Low-Achieving Students to Use Mobile English Learning: Integrating Self-Determination Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Technology Acceptance Model Approaches

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors influencing students’ behavioral intentions toward using Mobile English Learning (MEL) by integrating three key theoretical frameworks: the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). SmartPLS and SPSS were used to analyze data from a survey involving 499 students with low-achieving academic records from six Taiwanese universities. The results show that perceived autonomy, perceived relatedness, and perceived ease of use predict perceived usefulness. Furthermore, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control predict perceived ease of use. Both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly and positively influence behavioral intention. These results provide a theoretical basis for promoting the intention of low-achieving students to use MEL.

Keywords:

• Behavioral intentions
• low-achieving students
• mobile English learning (MEL)
• self-determination theory (SDT)
• Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
• Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our gratitude to the editors and reviewers for their valuable suggestions and comment.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Figshare at https://figshare.com/s/cace59ae2b3c9c29a3c8.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sandrotua Bali

Sandrotua Bali earned both his MA and Ph.D. from National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan. He currently serves as a research fellow at the same institution. His research focuses on English as a Medium of Instruction, computer assisted language learning, and human-computer interaction.

Tsai-Ching Chen

Tsai-Ching Chen is a lecturer in the Department of English Language and Literature at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan. He graduated from the English Department at National Taiwan Normal University. His research interests include English as a Medium of Instruction and mobile learning.

Ming-Chou Liu

Ming-Chou Liu is a Professor in the Department of Education and Human Potentials Development, National Dong Hwa University. Published several journals including Education and Information Technologies, Interactive Learning Environments, Educational Technology Research and Development, and Educational Technology & Society.