Understanding the factors driving m‐learning adoption: a literature review

Purpose By surveying current literature, the purposes of this paper are twofold: to identify current situation of mobile learning (m‐learning) adoption and specify the challenges and to identify the factors driving m‐learning adoption. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews literature related to: m‐learning applications and challenging issues and adoption researches on m‐learning and related topics. A reflection on the unique nature of m‐learning adoption building upon the literature reviewed contributes to a new conceptual model. Findings Even if m‐learning is fast evolving, the review of literature reveals a challenge as to how to promote m‐learning adoption. In this light, the paper extends the scope of literature reviewed to the theories and factors relating to different roles m‐learning users have into consideration, namely, technology user, consumer and learner, in an attempt to offer a more complete understanding of m‐learning adoption. Insights are drawn from the proposed model. Practical implications A number of m‐learning projects have been initiated worldwide while guidelines drawing from m‐learning adoption research are in short supply. A research in this regard will contribute to a better understanding of developing acceptable m‐learning service. Originality/value Based on a literature review, the paper not only specifies the current situation of m‐learning adoption, but also develops factors influencing m‐learning adoption to enrich our understanding of m‐learning adoption – which help to facilitate and promote future empirical research.