Smartphone usage for accessing electronic resources among distance learners at the Open University of Tanzania: a UTAUT perspective

In an increasingly digital educational environment, smartphones have emerged as important learning tools, especially for distance learning students. This study investigated the use of smartphones for accessing electronic resources among distance learners at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Specifically, it examined the types of electronic resources accessed and the barriers hindering their effective use. Adopting a cross-sectional research design and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a theoretical lens, this study collected data from 75 distance learners selected via purposive sampling. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale and open-ended questions to gather quantitative and qualitative insights. The study found that the majority of students rely heavily on smartphones to access core academic resources such as course materials, university announcements, e-books, and journals, as well as recorded lectures, establishing smartphones as indispensable tools for academic content consumption and institutional communication. However, usage significantly declines for high-stakes interactive tasks such as assignment submission and online quizzes, highlighting functional limitations. Furthermore, the study identified unreliable internet connectivity, high data costs, device limitations, and uneven digital literacy as critical challenges. The study recommends the need for improved digital infrastructure and targeted institutional support.