Understanding Continuance Usage of Mobile Learning Applications: The Moderating Role of Habit

• Published in: Frontiers in psychology Vol. 12; p. 736051
• Main Authors: Wang, Yi-Ting, Lin, Kuan-Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 10.11.2021
• Subjects: continuance usage intention; expectation confirmation theory; flow theory; habit; M-learning applications; Psychology
• ISSN: 1664-1078; 1664-1078
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736051

This study explored the factors that affect the intention of users to continue using mobile learning (m-learning) applications (apps). The influence of habit on user behavior toward information systems has been extensively discussed in the literature, but its role in the continuance of users when it comes to their usage of apps, especially m-learning apps, has rarely been reported. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of behaviors regarding the use of m-learning apps, this study constructed a theoretical research framework based on expectation confirmation theory and flow theory by considering habit as a moderating variable. Online questionnaires were administered to users of m-learning apps in Taiwan and data were analyzed through a structural equation modeling approach. The results indicated that the intention of users to continue using m-learning apps was influenced by satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and flow experience. Expectation confirmation affected user satisfaction and perceived usefulness. Differences existed in the intention to continue usage between users with strong and weak habits. In addition, perceived usefulness, expectation confirmation, and flow experience had direct and positive effects on satisfaction. The implications of these findings were discussed.