International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

search-icon

Examining Key Determinants of Ubiquitous Technology Adoption in TVET Higher Education: A UTAUT-Based Approach

Open access

Muliati Sedek, Aliza Che Amran, Aida Fazliana Abdul Kadir, Siti Rohana Omar, Sharifah Sakinah Syed Ahmad

Pages 676-687 Received: 25 Feb, 2025 Revised: 20 Mar, 2025 Published Online: 15 Apr, 2025

http://dx.doi.org/10.46886/IJARBSS/v15-i4/16916
The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) identifies Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Behavioral Intention (BI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), and Social Status (SS) as key factors influencing technology adoption. This study investigates whether these factors contribute to the usage of ubiquitous technology (U-Tech), specifically laptops, smartphones, and tablets, among TVET students in higher education institutions in Malaysia. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS. Findings indicate significant relationships: Technology Competency (TC) (? = 0.35, p = 0.000), Performance Expectancy (? = 0.41, p = 0.000), and Facilitating Conditions (? = 0.23, p = 0.000) influence U-Tech usage directly. Meanwhile, the influence of EE (? = 0.26, p = 0.000) and SS (? = 0.52, p = 0.000) on U-Tech usage is mediated by BI. These results suggest that 63% of the variance in U-Tech usage is explained by these factors, offering insights into technology adoption in academic settings, especially among TVET students.
Aguilos, V., & Fuchs, K. (2022, July). The perceived usefulness of gamified e-learning: A study of undergraduate students with implications for higher education. Frontiers in Education, 7, 945536. Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.945536
Amran, A. C., Ananta, G. P., Hanafiah, M. A. B. M., Ali, A., & Mohd, C. K. N. C. K. (2020). Development of the Malaysian skills certification for lecturers in tertiary TVET institutions. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 12(1), 125–133. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2020.12.01.013
Amirnudin, M. T. M., & Sulairnan, H. (2013). Exploring the use of tablet technology as a teaching tool at Kolej Matrikulasi Perak. In Proceedings of the 20th National Symposium on Mathematical Sciences: Research in Mathematical Sciences: A Catalyst for Creativityand Innovation (pp. 590–595). AIP Publishing.
Awang, Z. (2013). Structural equation modeling using AMOS Graphic (2nd ed.). UiTM Press.
Awwad, F., Ayesh, A., & Awwad, S. (2013). Effectiveness of laptop usage in UAE university undergraduate teaching. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 12, 77–88.
Ayub, M., Fauzi, A., Tannizi, R. A., Jaafar, W., & Marzuki, W. (2010). Factors influencing students' use of a learning management system portal: Perspective from higher education students. International Journal of Education and Information Technology, 4, 100–108.
Backer, E. (2010). Using smartphones and Facebook in a major assessment: The student experience. E-Journal of Business Education & Scholarship of Teaching, 4, 19–31.
Beetham, H., & Sharpe, R. (2013). Rethinking pedagogy for a digital age: Designing for 21st century learning (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Comm, F., Cozzarelli, C., Palumbo, C., & Sibilio, M. (2013). Information technology and edutainment: Education and entertainment in the age of interactivity. International Journal of Digital Literacy and Digital Competence, 4, 12–18.
Che Amran, A., Ananta, G. P., Hanafiah, M. A. B. M., Ali, A., & Che Ku Mohd, C. K. N. (2019). Development of the Malaysian skills certification for lecturers in tertiary TVET institutions. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 12(1). https://publisher.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JTET/article/view/3740
Fareed, A. S., & Kirkil, G. (2025). Integrating Technology Acceptance Model with UTAUT to increase the explanatory power of the effect of HCI on students’ intention to use e-learning system and perceive success. IEEE Access.
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Prentice Hall.
Hwang, G. J., Wu, C. H., Tseng, J. C., & Huang, I. (2011). Development of a ubiquitous learning platform based on a real-time help-seeking mechanism. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42, 992–1002.
Khalid, S., & Sulaiman, Y. (2012). Experiences of e-learning at a Malaysian technical university network in Malaysia: Is there any success? In Proceedings of the Malaysian Technical Universities Conference on Engineering and Technology (pp. 613–617). Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN).
Kilbane, C. R., & Milman, N. B. (2013). Teaching models: Designing instruction for 21st-century learners. Pearson.
Lakhal, S., Khechine, H., & Pascot, D. (2013). Student behavioral intentions to use desktop video conferencing in a distance course: Integration of autonomy to the UTAUT model. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 25, 93–121.
Lee, Y. H., Hsieh, Y. C., & Chen, Y. H. (2013). An investigation of employees' use of e-learning systems: Applying the technology acceptance model. Behaviour & Information Technology, 32, 173–189.
Loo, C. W., & Choy, J. L. F. (2013). Sources of self-efficacy influencing academic performance of engineering students. American Journal of Educational Research, 1, 86–92.
Mohd, C. K. N. C. K., & Shahbodin, F. (2021). Issues and challenges from teachers' perceptions in creating online learning in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology, 99(12), 3039–3049.
Ra, S., Jagannathan, S., & Maclean, R. (2021). Powering a learning society during an age of disruption. Springer Nature.
Russin, S., Manap, M. R., Amir, Z., & Krish, P. (2012). Mobile learning readiness among Malaysian students at higher learning institutes. Asian Social Science, 8, 276–283.
Sedek, M., & Mohd, C. K. N. C. K. (2025). Exploring educators’ perception of and readiness for hybrid flexible learning in TVET higher education. Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences, 26(1), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.37575/h/edu/240046
Sedek, M., Mahmud, R., Jalil, H. A., & Daud, S. M. (2012). Types and levels of ubiquitous technology use among ICT undergraduates. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 64, 255–264.
Sedek, M., Hussein, N. H. N., Husin, N., & Jalil, H. A. (2025). Examining the Relationship between Ubiquitous Technology Utilisation and Technology Competency: Implications for Digital Proficiency Development. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(3), 1825–1834.
Shariffudin, R. S., Guan, C. H. J., Dayang, T., Mislan, N., & Lee, M. F. (2012). Mobile learning environments for diverse learners in higher education. International Journal of Future Computer and Communication, 1, 32–35.
Suki, N. M., & Suki, N. M. (2013). Dependency on smartphones: An analysis of structural equation modelling. Journal of Technology, 62, 49–55.
Tan, P. J. B. (2013). Students' adoption and attitudes towards electronic placement tests: A UTAUT analysis. American Journal of Computer Technology and Applications, 1, 14–24.
Tapscott, D., & Williams, A. D. (2012). Macrowikinomics: New solutions for a connected planet. Portfolio Penguin.
Thowfeek, M. H., & Jaafar, A. (2013). The influence of cultural factors on the adoption of e-learning: A reference to a public university in Sri Lanka. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 263, 3424–3434.
Venkatesh, V., Thong, J. Y., & Xu, X. (2012). Consumer acceptance and use of information technology: Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). MIS Quarterly, 36, 157–178.
Wong, K. T., Teo, T., & Russo, S. (2013). Interactive whiteboard acceptance: Applicability of the UTAUT model to student teachers. Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 22, 1–10.
Ying, Y., Susilo, P. M., Mei, F. R., & Rahardjanti, T. (2021, February). The role of the mandamonic games in supporting Mandarin learning at elementary school. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1764, No. 1, p. 012107). IOP Publishing.
Yusof, S. M., Goolamally, N., Latif, L. A., & Fadzil, M. (2012). Using QR codes in enhancing learning in elementary statistics. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Information (ICI12) (pp. 312–321). Open University Malaysia.
Zain, N. Z. M., Mahmud, M., & Hassan, A. (2013). Utilization of mobile apps among students with learning disabilities from an Islamic perspective. In Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Information and Communication Technology for the Muslim World (ICT4M) (pp. 1–4). IEEE.
Sedek, M., Amran, A. C., Kadir, A. F. A., Omar, S. R., & Ahmad, S. S. S. (2025). Examining Key Determinants of Ubiquitous Technology Adoption in TVET Higher Education: A UTAUT-Based Approach. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(4), 676–687.