Google Classroom for mobile learning in higher education: Modelling the initial perceptions of students

Abstract

The study adopted a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology2(UTAUT2) as a theoretical foundation to investigate students’ initial perceptions of Google Classroom as a mobile learning platform. By including six non-linear relationships within the modified model, the study examined the nuances in interaction terms between Habit and Hedonic Motivation, in relation to the other constructs in the original UTAUT2 model towards Google Classroom intention formation and use behaviour. Based on this, a questionnaire was used to collect data from 163 students, employing a purposive sampling technique with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) utilized for statistical analysis. Overall, the results revealed important significant non-linear relationships between Hedonic Motivation and Habit with the rest of the UTAUT2 factors within the model. Students’ positive intentions to accept Google Classroom were anchored on Habit, Hedonic Motivation and Performance Expectancy. However, both Habit and Hedonic Motivation had significant and positive non-linear relationships with Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy and Social Influence towards Google Classroom usage intentions. Uniquely, Habit was the strongest predictor of Behavioural Intention. Again, the Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) proved that Habit was the most important factor in determining actual usage (Use Behaviour) of Google Classroom rather than Behavioural Intention.