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Article

The Role of Quality Measurements in Enhancing the Usability of Mobile Learning Applications during COVID-19

1
Department of Computer Networks, College of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
3
Management Department, College of Business Administration, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
4
College of Business, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
5
Faculty of Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Ar-Ramtha 3030, Jordan
6
Deanship of Development, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Electronics 2022, 11(13), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11131951
Submission received: 13 May 2022 / Revised: 9 June 2022 / Accepted: 14 June 2022 / Published: 22 June 2022
(This article belongs to the Section Computer Science & Engineering)

Abstract

:
Despite numerous studies offering some evidence about the significance of quality measurements in enhancing the success of m-learning applications, there are still limited studies about the role of quality measurements in promoting the usability of mobile learning systems. Therefore, our study explores the role of quality measurements in promoting the usability of m-learning systems during COVID-19. The results revealed that the service quality, information quality and system quality are the most important factors affecting mobile learning usability among learners during COVID-19. Moreover, these findings are valuable for classifying the significance of these quality elements, which provide guidance on assigning quality aspects to improve this mobile learning usage during COVID-19 in higher education institutions.

1. Introduction

The rapid spread of smartphones has increased the usage of mobile learning applications among learners [1,2,3]. Mobile learning is defined as ubiquitous learning opportunities that take place through the use of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or tablet computers [4]. Based on that, these devices allow students to learn anytime and anywhere by connecting to and interacting with content on mobile devices [5,6,7,8]. Due to the features of mobile learning applications, such as availability, flexibility, portability and affordability, adopting mobile learning in learning and teaching processes has become one of the recent trends that have motivated many researchers to conduct more research on mobile learning usage and adoption specifically after COVID-19 [9,10,11,12].
Several studies have been conducted on mobile learning to realize the use of mobile learning applications in educational settings. According to [13], undeniably, mobile learning applications are becoming universal. The study suggests that mobile learning applications would benefit teachers and students. Mobile learning indicates learning related to applications of the mobile device anytime and anywhere [14,15,16,17]. Mobile learning applications have numerous benefits. First, learning processes via mobile learning can happen anywhere and anytime, and the learning procedure is not limited to a specific place [18,19,20,21,22,23]. Second, it can help learners to enhance their dialogue/technical skills and competence sets to find answers to questions and agree to information sharing [24,25,26,27,28]. Third, it can enhance a sense of cooperation and use learning outcomes for the future [29,30,31]. Finally, these applications let students use self-regulated learning and let teachers use personalized instruction [32]. Based on the above, the rapid transition to mobile learning has started. In addition, COVID-19 has forced many universities to use new technologies to support learning such as mobile learning applications and e-learning systems. For example, many universities throughout the world, e.g., in USA, Jordan, Spain and Taiwan, started teaching many courses using mobile learning applications during the COVID-19 period [33,34,35].
Recently, with the spread of COVID-19, one of the important aspects globally is how to adopt educational technologies in order to continue the learning and teaching process [33]. Therefore, many universities introduced distance learning technologies such as e-learning systems, blackboard, mobile learning apps and others [34,35,36,37]. However, these educational technologies are still in the early stages of usage among students, and the research on the adoption of mobile applications in educational settings is limited and needs more investigation [38,39,40,41]. Based on the literature, despite numerous studies offering some evidence about the importance of quality factors of educational technologies, such as learning management systems and e-learning systems [42], there are still limited studies about the role of quality measurements in promoting the usability of mobile learning applications. Therefore, identifying the most important and suitable quality measurements for designers and developers is an important factor in ensuring the successful development of mobile learning applications in universities, and this will reflect the effectiveness of learning via mobile applications in a positive way. Therefore, this work aims to answer this question:
Which quality measurements contribute to the success of m-learning applications in supporting students learning effectiveness?

2. Literature Review and Research Background

With the current significant improvements in the features of mobile devices and applications, the usage of these applications among students for learning purposes has also increased. These new applications have become a primary tool for teaching and learning during COVID-19 [42]. Thus, the research interest in how to develop, adopt and use mobile learning applications has also increased. Several researchers have started to investigate the main factors that promote and enhance the quality of mobile learning applications [43,44,45,46,47]. According to several studies in the information system context, identifying quality factors is a critical step for guaranteeing the successful implementation of any new system [48,49,50,51,52]. Other studies confirmed the positive and significant role of quality factors in enhancing the usage of many types of information systems among users [53,54,55]. Based on that, the main quality measurements for mobile learning applications should be properly identified [56], and quality requirements should be correctly understood by mobile learning application developers and designers from the beginning stage of the development. Based on the literature, despite numerous studies offering some evidence about the importance of quality factors in enhancing the success of mobile learning applications [57], there are still limited studies about the role of quality measurements in promoting the usability of mobile learning systems [58]. Some studies have started to investigate the effect of quality measurements on the usability of mobile learning, specifically during COVID-19. These studies confirmed that quality measurements might support the discovery of quality aspects important to ensuring the actual usage of mobile learning applications [59,60,61,62,63]. As a result, these studies have recommended that quality measurements play a critical role in improving the quality of numerous kinds of educational applications, such as learning management systems, e-learning systems and mobile learning applications [59,60,61,62,63].
Several studies have started to address this issue. For example, [64] proposed a quality model for a mobile learning system by examining the impact of quality factors on students’ actual use of mobile learning. The study found that quality measurements such as content design quality, interface design quality and functionality had a significant on enhancing the usage of mobile learning among students. In the same way, a study was conducted by [65] to investigate the role of quality measurements on the usage of mobile learning. The results indicated that system quality, service quality and information quality played an important role in enhancing the success of mobile learning applications. Sarrab et al. [66] found three essential quality factors for the efficiency of mobile learning: service quality, content, and functionality. From the perspective of learners’ motivation and literature, this study offers which factors of mobile learning quality can be improved from the following four perspectives: system, service, functionality, and information quality. On the other hand, Al-Emran et al. [6] recommended that perceived enjoyment, ease of use, and perceived usefulness are significant precedents for a learner’s intention to apply mobile learning.
Despite numerous studies in the literature offering some evidence about the importance of quality factors in enhancing the success of mobile learning applications [57], there are still limited studies about the role of quality measurements in promoting the usability of mobile learning systems [58]. Therefore, identifying the most important and suitable quality measurements for designers and developers is considered one of the critical steps for ensuring the successful development of mobile learning applications in universities, and this will reflect the effectiveness of learning via mobile applications in a positive way.

2.1. The Relationship between Quality Factors and Usability Factors

2.1.1. The Relationship between Quality Factors and Behavioral Intention to Use Mobile Learning

This section details the related studies on the relationship between quality factors and usability of information systems. DeLone and Mclean confirmed that the three types of quality factors, system quality, information quality and service quality, can predict behavioral intention to use. In addition, these quality factors have a strong and positive relationship with behavioral intention to use. Furthermore, in different information system contexts, several studies showed that system quality, information quality and service quality are important factors for predicting behavioral intention to use educational technologies [9,10,11,12]. The findings of the studies indicated that these quality factors are influencing behavioral intention significantly and positively, as shown in Table 1. For instance, Almarashdeh et al. [63] conducted a study to examine the influence of quality factors on the acceptance of learning management systems in Malaysia. The findings supported that system quality, information quality and service quality had a significant and direct influence on intention to use learning management systems.
In addition, Fathema, Shannon, and Ross [64] confirmed in a study involving 300 individuals in the USA that system quality was indeed significantly related to behavioral intention. Mohammadi [66] confirmed in the study using TAM that system quality, information quality and service quality were significantly and directly impacting behavioral intention to use an e-learning system in Iran.

2.1.2. The Relationship between Quality Factors and Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use

This work will focus on the effect of quality factors on two constructs of usability factors (i) the relationship between quality factors and perceived usefulness and (ii) the relationship between quality factors and perceived ease of use.
Several empirical studies support the relationship between quality factors and per-ceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use has been studied in several information system contexts [66]. The results from previous studies indicated that quality factors are an antecedent of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and are influencing them significantly and positively, as shown in Table 2. For instance, Wang and Wang [66] conducted a study to explore the influence of quality measurements on perceived ease of use and usefulness in order to enhance the usage of e-learning systems among students. The study found that quality measurements had positive effects on both usability factors of ease of use and usefulness in the e-learning system context. In the same way, Ahn [60] found that the impact of three types of quality measurements also had a strong effect on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness for the adoption of a web retailing site in South Korea. Sarrab et al. [28] found three essential quality factors for the efficiency of mobile learning: service quality, content, and functionality. From the views of learner motivation and literature, this study offers which factors of mobile learning quality can be improved from the following four perspectives: system, service, functionality, and information quality. On the other hand, Al-Emran et al. [17] recommended that perceived enjoyment, ease of use, and perceived usefulness are significant precedents of a learner’s intention to apply mobile learning.
Another study performed by Lwoga [60] claimed that quality measurements, including quality of content and quality of system, had a positive impact on the perceived usefulness of a website. In the same way, Al-Debei [61] investigated the impact of the quality of content on e-learning systems among students. He found that this factor has a significant effect on perceived usefulness. Cho, Cheng, and Lai [62] recommended that the relationship between quality measurements and usability factors, including ease of use and usefulness, is significant. The authors of [64] proposed a quality model for a mobile learning system by examining the impact of quality factors on students’ actual use of mobile learning. The study found that quality measurements such as content design quality, interface design quality and functionality significantly enhanced the usage of mobile learning among students. In the same way, [65] investigated the role of quality measurements on the usage of mobile learning. The results indicated that system quality, service quality and information quality played an important role in enhancing the success of mobile learning applications. Based on the previous studies, there is limited research work on investigating the impact of quality measurements to enhance the usability of mobile learning applications. Therefore, the main objective of our work is to address this gap by examining the impact of quality measurements to enhance the usability of mobile learning applications.
In this research, it can be concluded from the literature review that the relationship significantly and positively influences perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness in different contexts of information systems. However, quality factors have not been receiving much attention from researchers regarding the influence of quality factors on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness in the mobile learning field, although the quality factors are important in the acceptance process.

3. Developing the Proposed Model Using Quality Factors from the Updated Delone and Mclean Information System Success Model

Actual usage of new educational technologies among students during COVID-19 remains one of the challenges to the successful implementation of mobile learning systems [1]. Several researchers proposed models and frameworks to capture the success factors for mobile learning usage, acceptance and adoption. Part of them used theoretical models, such as UTAUT, TAM and DeLone and McLean IS success model, in order to identify the most important determinates of mobile learning usage. However, one of the most powerful models used in previous studies is the DeLone and McLean IS success model, which was developed by DeLone and McLean [2].
According to the literature, prior studies in e-learning and learning management systems used the DeLone and McLean model and recommended that this model is among the strong models for measuring the effect of quality measurements on the successful usage of educational technologies [3]. Other studies [4] employed this model in the context of mobile learning, and they confirmed that the DeLone and McLean model is a suitable model for examining the effect of quality measurements on the success of mobile learning as compared with other models such as TAM and UTAUT.
The key role of the DeLone and McLean model in our study is to offer a general theoretical model to help us determine the most important quality measurements for enhancing the usability of mobile learning applications. This model includes three main quality measurements, namely: information quality, service quality and system quality. According to prior studies, these quality measurements could play a key role in promoting users to use mobile learning systems. Several prior studies indicated that quality measurements have a primary role in improving the usage of several types of educational technologies such as e-learning, learning management systems and mobile learning [1]. Another essential point is that mobile learning systems with a high-quality characteristics will lead to more use, more user satisfaction, and more user acceptance [2]. Furthermore, fundamentally, the success of a new information system largely depends on users’ usage. Thus, the three quality factors have a vital role in users’ usage of information systems, as mentioned by many scholars [3].
Based on the above discussion, we concluded that these three quality measurements of the DeLone and McLean model will be employed as a foundation for developing our proposed research model. In the sections below, we will present details about the quality constructs of the DeLone and McLean model as shown in Figure 1.
(i) 
System Quality
System quality measurement is one of the major constructs of the DeLone and McLean model, which is defined as the high-quality features that should be included in any system, such as navigability, functionality, and availability, etc. [4]. According to quality models, system quality includes groups of sub-measurements such as navigability, functionality, availability and flexibility [5]. According to DeLone and McLean [6], applying and selecting the system quality measurements should be based on the context of the study. Based on this recommendation, the most common system quality measurements that have been used in educational systems are functionality, availability, accessibility and flexibility [7].
In the context of educational technologies studies, prior studies found that system quality is considered one of the key measurements that played a primary role in encouraging the usage of educational platforms among students. For example, Almaiah et al. [2] found that the quality of a system is a significant metric for promoting the actual usage of mobile learning through usability factors such as ease of use and usefulness. Based on the above discussion, we used the system quality measurement as a foundation for developing our proposed research model; thus, we developed the following hypotheses:
H1. 
System quality would have a significant impact on perceived ease of use of m-learning.
H2. 
System quality would have a significant impact on perceived usefulness of m-learning.
(ii) 
Information Quality
The second quality measurement in the DeLone and McLean model is the information or content quality. This factor refers to the quality of content in terms of design, format and accuracy that should be available in the system [2]. According to quality models, information quality consists of several sub-measurements, namely: accuracy, relevance, efficiency and completeness of content, etc. [3]. In the context of educational technologies studies, prior studies found that information quality is considered one of the key predictors that played a primary role in encouraging the usage of educational platforms among students. For example, Almaiah et al. [2] found that quality of information is a significant measurement in promoting the actual usage of mobile learning through usability factors ease of use and usefulness. Al-Debei [4] found that quality of information is the primary predictor of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Based on the above discussion, we used the information quality measurement as a foundation for developing our proposed research model; thus, we proposed the following:
H3. 
Information quality would have a significant positive impact on perceived ease of use of m-learning.
H4. 
Information quality would have a significant positive impact on the usefulness of m-learning.
(iii) 
Service Quality
The third quality measurement in the DeLone and McLean model is the service quality. The common sub-measurements of service quality in the context of educational technologies are trust, responsiveness and personalization [1]. Several prior studies reported that service quality is one of the key predictors that played a primary role in encouraging the usage of educational platforms among students. For example, Almaiah et al. [2] found that quality of service is a significant measurement in promoting the actual usage of mobile learning through usability factors ease of use and usefulness. Al-Debei [27] found that quality of service is the primary predictor of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Practically, service quality is based on determining students’ requirements and how to achieve them [7]. Based on the above discussion, we employed the service quality measurement as a foundation for developing our proposed research model; thus, we proposed the following:
H5. 
Service quality would have a significant positive effect on perceived ease of use of m-learning.
H6. 
Service quality would have a significant positive impact on the usefulness of m-learning.

Justification of Applying the Quality Factors in Our Proposed Model

According to the literature, the above three quality factors from the DeLone and McLean model are considered the key elements for ensuring the success of several types of information systems such as e-learning [1], e-commerce [4], learning management systems [8], e-Government [12], and web-based systems [16]. Several prior studies have employed quality measurements from the DeLone and McLean model for examining the role of system, service and information quality on the student’s usage of educational technologies. They found that the DeLone and McLean model is the theory of evaluating the effect of quality measurements on the success of mobile learning as compared with other models such as TAM and UTAUT.
Necessity, quality assurance, improvement, and enhancement of educational technologies during COVID-19 in universities have increasingly become a central concern for researchers and service providers [19]. Obviously, applying quality measurements in these new technologies has become an essential requirement for enhancing the usability of these educational platforms [40]. However, the success of any IS/IT can be represented by the quality characteristics of the IS itself [1]. In addition, DeLone and Mclean [25] recommended that any system with high-quality measurements will result in higher usage and greater user satisfaction. Therefore, the above three quality factors from the DeLone and McLean model could be used as the main drivers for enhancing the usability of mobile learning applications among students. Figure 2 presents the proposed model of our study.
H7. 
Perceived ease of use would have a significant positive effect on perceived usefulness of m-learning.
H8. 
Perceived ease of use would have a significant positive effect on intention to use m-learning.
H9. 
Perceived usefulness would have a significant positive effect on intention to use m-learning.
H10. 
Intention to use would have a significant positive effect on actual use of m-learning.

4. Methodology

4.1. Data Collection and Participants

The data collection for this study was implemented in the top five universities in Saudi Arabia, namely: King Khalid University, King Saud University, King Faisal University, King Fahad University and Tabouk University, in the second semester of 2022. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, these universities started using distance-learning technologies, such as mobile learning applications. In addition, all lectures were held digitally or via the Blackboard system. Complementing the lectures, students could participate in synchronous, live tutorials and submit exercise sheets.
For this study, we invited 500 students from the above five universities who used any type of distance learning tools during COVID-19 to participate in the online survey conducted during the first five weeks of the second semester of 2022. Through the data collection, we informed the students of the research purpose and their voluntary participation in the study. Even if they took part in the survey, they had the possibility to refuse to answer any question.
The students were asked to answer the online survey according to their experience with different types of distance learning tools during COVID-19. Our study sample consists of 500 students distributed among the five universities in Saudi Arabia. In the initial evaluation, we excluded 45 answers due to missing values in their survey responses and five without any variation in the responses. Thus, the total usable responses are 450, which means the usable response rate is 90%. The final sample comprises 320 female and 130 male students, with the overwhelming majority (87%) being 24 years old and younger. Table 3 presents the summarized descriptive statistics for the final sample of 450 students.

4.2. Research Measurements

To test the hypotheses in our proposed model, we developed the measurements in the questionnaire from the validated scales from previous studies and modified them to be suitable in the context of mobile learning. For instance, measurements of system quality, information quality and service quality factors were adopted from the study conducted by Sarrab et al. [62]. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were adapted from Davis [63]. Finally, intention to use and actual use items were adapted from a study conducted by Al-Emran et al. [7]. The items were unanimously measured with four or five items each, as previously described. All items were assessed on a five-point Likert scale (from 1 = “strongly disagree” to 5 = “strongly agree”). Appendix A presents the final online survey consisting of the mentioned items used in our research model. We developed the survey in English, in accordance with prior studies, and then converted it to the Arabic language through a professional translator. In order to avoid any issues, we also requested a professional translation service to translate it back into English to ensure conversion correspondence and the validity of the items.
In order to check the validity of the questionnaire items, we emailed five experts in the mobile learning domain and sent them a draft of the questionnaire items to check them in terms of clarity and appropriateness of each item for each construct. All experts confirmed that all items are understandable, correct and suitable within the context of mobile learning.

5. Data Analysis and Results

5.1. Reliability Analysis

The reliability analysis for all items in the proposed model was performed by using Cronbach’s alpha. As shown in Table 4, the findings of the reliability analysis indicated that all Cronbach’s alpha values were larger than 0.7. The calculated Cronbach’s coefficient alpha values were acceptable: system quality (89.0), information quality (84.0), and service quality (87.0), perceived ease of use (88.0), perceived usefulness (91.0), intention to use (80.0) and actual use (93.0).

5.2. Convergent and Discriminant Validity Analysis

All items in the proposed models also were validated by using both convergent and discriminant validity analysis. Based on the findings in Table 4, the values of average variance extracted (AVE) were greater than 0.5, which indicates that the convergent validity of all items was accepted for further analysis in the next step according to [64].
For discriminant validity analysis, we calculated the square root of AVE values for all items in Table 5. The findings indicated that all values of the square root of AVE values were greater than 0.5, which indicates that the discriminant validity of all items were ac-accepted for further analysis in the next step according to [64].

5.3. Correlation Analysis

In our study, the correlation analysis was employed to test the relationship between the constructs in the proposed model. We used the Pearson correlation coefficient to test the relationship between two constructs based on the proposed hypotheses. This type of testing is used to measure the linear correlation between constructs. According to Compeau and Higgins [41], the minimum value of the Pearson correlation coefficient is (0.05), and the values of the Pearson correlation coefficient should be ranged between −1 and +1 if the hypothesis is supported.
In our study, ten hypotheses were evaluated using the correlation analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to test the relationship between three types of quality measurements (system quality, service quality and information quality) with two usability factors (perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness). In addition, it has been used to evaluate the correlation between perceived ease of use with perceived usefulness and intention to use, as well as between perceived usefulness and intention to use. Finally, we tested the relationship between intention to use and actual usage.
The first hypothesis (H1) stated that system quality would have a significant impact on perceived ease of use of m-learning. The findings in Table 6 indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.781. This indicated that there is a significant relationship between the two constructs. Therefore, this hypothesis is supported.
The second hypothesis (H2) stated that system quality would have a significant impact on perceived usefulness of m-learning. The results in Table 7 indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.752. This indicated that there is a significant relationship between the two constructs. Therefore, this hypothesis is supported.
The third hypothesis (H3) stated that information quality would have a significant positive impact on perceived ease of use of m-learning. Our results from the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in Table 8 indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.697. This means that there is a significant correlation between the two constructs. Therefore, hypothesis 3 is supported.
The fourth hypothesis (H4) stated that information quality would have a significant positive impact on the usefulness of m-learning. Our results from the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in Table 9 indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.710. This means that there is a significant correlation between the two constructs. Therefore, hypothesis 4 is supported.
The fifth hypothesis (H5) stated that service quality would have a significant positive effect on perceived ease of use of m-learning. The results in Table 10 indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.657. This indicates that there is a significant relationship between the two constructs. Therefore, there is support for this hypothesis.
The sixth hypothesis (H6) proposed that service quality would have a significant positive impact on the usefulness of m-learning. Our results from the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in Table 11 indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.725. This means that there is a significant correlation between the two constructs. Therefore, hypothesis 6 is supported.
The seventh hypothesis (H7) stated that perceived ease of use would have a significant positive effect on perceived usefulness of m-learning. Table 12 shows that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.626. Based on this result, this indicates that there is a significant positive relationship between the two variables. Therefore, there is support for this hypothesis.
The eighth hypothesis (H8) proposed that perceived ease of use would have a significant positive effect on intention to use m-learning. Table 13 shows that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.617. Based on this result, this indicates that there is a significant relationship between the two constructs. Therefore, there is support for this hypothesis.
The ninth hypothesis (H9) proposed that perceived usefulness would have a significant positive effect on intention to use m-learning. Table 14 shows that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.766. Based on this result, this indicates that there is a significant relationship between the two constructs. Therefore, there is support for this hypothesis.
The tenth hypothesis (H10) proposed that intention to use would have a significant positive effect on actual use of m-learning. Table 15 shows that the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.785. Based on this result, this indicates that there is a significant relationship between the two constructs. Therefore, there is a support for this hypothesis.

5.4. Structural Model Analysis

Our research model was tested using PLS-SEM as the most favorable method to validate multistage models with complex relationships, interdependencies, constructs, and indicators [66]. Based on the findings of the PLS-SEM test in Table 16, we found that system quality influenced the two usability factors: perceived ease of use and usefulness significantly (H1: β-value = 0.321, p < 0.001), (H2: β-value = 0.366, p < 0.001). This indicates that H1 and H2 are supported. The results also revealed that information quality also impacted the perceived ease of use and usefulness significantly (H3: β-value = 0.330, p < 0.001), (H4: β-value = 0.354, p < 0.001). This indicates that H3 and H4 are supported. Furthermore, H5 and H6 were supported, which means that service quality had a significant effect on both two usability factors: perceived ease of use and usefulness (H5: β-value = 0.371, p < 0.001), (H6: β-value = 0.366, p < 0.001). Our findings also indicate that perceived ease of use had a significant effect on both perceived usefulness and intention to use (H7: β-value = 0.315, p < 0.001), (H8: β-value = 0.309, p < 0.001). This indicates that H7 and H8 are supported. Perceived usefulness also had a significant effect on intention to use (H9: β-value = 0.361, p < 0.001). Finally, the results indicated that intention to use had a significant influence on actual use (H10: β-value = 0.388, p < 0.001). Based on the above results, H9 and H10 were supported.

6. Discussion

Mobile learning applications have been considered one of the important solutions for higher education during COVID-19. However, the actual usage of mobile learning still requires more planning and investigation as to how quality measurements could play a key role in enhancing the usability of mobile learning during COVID-19. According to the Delone and Mclean model, we used three main quality factors with 12 items that could fulfill the mobile learning quality. Then, we examined the effect of these quality measurements on enhancing the usability of mobile learning applications.
Through our proposed model, we determined and evaluated the relationships between quality factors and usability factors using the DeLone and McLean model (as demonstrated in Figure 2). Based on the findings, system quality is the most significant perspective affecting on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of mobile learning, with β = 0.321 and β = 0.366. These findings showed that system quality notably affected usability factors of mobile learning. This means that when the mobile learning system is easy to access, user-friendly, easy to navigate, easy to use, and possesses learning abilities, it will improve the usability of mobile learning among students. Therefore, measurements of system quality had an important effect on mobile learning usability. These results were confirmed by previous studies conducted by Al-Emran et al. and Almaiah et al.
According to the results, information quality played an important part and has the most significant impact on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of mobile learning with β = 0.330 and β = 0.354. This means that quality of information is the primary predictor of mobile learning usability. In addition, when the mobile learning content is clear, accuracy, relevance, efficiency and completeness of content will improve the usability of mobile learning among students. Based on that, measurements of information quality had a significant effect on mobile learning usability. These results were consistent with previous studies conducted by Sarrab et al.
Furthermore, service quality also had a significant influence on both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of mobile learning with β = 0.371 and β = 0.366. This indicates that service quality notably affected the usability of mobile learning. This means that when the mobile learning system is trustworthy, responsive and customizable, it will improve the usability of mobile learning among students. Therefore, measurements of service quality had an important effect on mobile learning usability. These results were confirmed by previous studies conducted by Al-Emran et al. and Almaiah et al.
Based on our findings, perceived ease of use had a significant impact on perceived usefulness and intention to use of mobile learning with β = 0.315 and β = 0.309. This means that perceived ease of use is the primary predictor of actual usage of mobile learning through perceived usefulness and intention to use. In addition, when the mobile learning application is user-friendly and easy to use, it will improve the actual use of mobile learning among students. These results were consistent with previous studies conducted by Sarrab et al.
The findings also indicated that there is strong relationship between perceived usefulness and intention to use mobile learning with β = 0.361. This means that perceived usefulness is the primary predictor of actual usage of mobile learning through intention to use. Finally, the results indicated that actual use of mobile learning was influenced by intention to use significantly with β = 0.388. These results were consistent with previous studies conducted by Sarrab et al.

7. Conclusions

The emergence of COVID-19 has caused a high adoption of mobile learning applications for learning and teaching processes. The usability of mobile learning applications still needs more investigation. Therefore, this study tried to cover this gap by examining the impact of quality measurements from the DeLone and McLean model on the usability of mobile learning applications during COVID-19. Hence, we proposed a research model combining three types of quality measurements, system quality, service quality and information quality, with four usability factors, namely perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, intention to use and actual use. Based on the findings, system quality is the most significant perspective affecting perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of mobile learning. According to the results, information quality played an important part and had the most significant impact on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of mobile learning. Furthermore, service quality also had a significant influence on both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of mobile learning. On the other hand, perceived ease of use had a significant impact on perceived usefulness of and intention to use mobile learning, and perceived ease of use is the primary predictor of actual usage of mobile learning through perceived usefulness and intention to use. The findings also indicated that there is strong relationship between perceived usefulness of and intention to use mobile learning. Finally, the results indicated that actual use of mobile learning was significantly influenced by intention to use.

Author Contributions

Conceptualisation, M.A.A., F.H. and R.S.; methodology, A.L.; software, A.A.; validation, A.B.A., M.A.A. and M.A.A.; formal analysis, M.A.A.; investigation, M.A.A.; resources, F.H.; writing—original draft preparation, R.S.; writing—review and editing, A.A.; visualisation, M.A.A.; supervision, M.A.A.; project administration, M.A.A.; funding acquisition, M.A.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was funded by King Faisal University and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported through the Annual Funding track by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (Project No. GRANT 24); and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project Number (PNURSP2022R236), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Conflicts of Interest

All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Appendix A

ConstructItems
System QualitySQ1The mobile app is easy to navigate.
SQ2The mobile app allows me to find easily the information I am looking for.
SQ3The mobile app is well structured.
SQ4The mobile app is easy to use.
Information QualityIQ1The information provided by the mobile app is useful.
IQ2The information provided by the mobile app is understandable.
IQ3The information provided by the mobile app is interesting.
IQ4The information provided by the mobile app is reliable.
Service QualitySEQ1The responsible service personnel is always highly willing to help
SEQ2whenever I need support with the mobile app.
SEQ3The responsible service personnel provides personal attention when I experience problems with the mobile app.
SEQ4The responsible service personnel provides services related to the mobile app at the promised time.
Perceived Ease of UsePEU1The mobile app is easy to use.
PEU2The mobile app is friendly.
Perceived UsefulnessPU1I believe the mobile app can assist learning efficiency.
PU2I believe the mobile app can assist learning performance.
Intention to UseINU1I will reuse the mobile app in the future.
INU2I will frequently use the mobile app in the future.
INU3I will recommend that fellow students use the mobile app.

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Figure 1. The Delone and Mclean model.
Figure 1. The Delone and Mclean model.
Electronics 11 01951 g001
Figure 2. The proposed model.
Figure 2. The proposed model.
Electronics 11 01951 g002
Table 1. Previous studies on the relationship between quality factors and behavioral intention (BI).
Table 1. Previous studies on the relationship between quality factors and behavioral intention (BI).
StudiesSubject (N)Information SystemProposed FactorsFindings * Significant,** Non Significant
Fathema, Shannon, and Ross (2015)USA Universities
(N = 300)
Learning Management System (LMS)System Quality (SQ)
Perceived Usefulness (PU) Perceived Attitude (ATT)
SQ ➞ BI *
PU ➞ BI *
ATT ➞ BI *
Noh and Lee (2015)Korea
(N = 520)
M-Banking SystemInformation Quality (IQ)
Service Quality (SEQ) Trust (T)
System Quality (SQ)
IQ ➞ BI *
SEQ ➞ BI *
T ➞ BI *
SQ ➞ BI **
Mohammadi (2015)Iran
(N = 420)
E-learning SystemSystem Quality (SQ)
Information Quality (IQ)
Service Quality (SEQ) Perceived Usefulness (PU)
Perceived Ease of Use (PEU)
SQ ➞ BI *
IQ ➞ BI *
SEQ ➞ BI *
PU ➞ BI *
PEU ➞ BI *
Almarashdeh et al. (2010)Malaysian Universities
(N = 425)
Learning Management System (LMS)System Quality (SQ)
Information Quality (IQ)
Service Quality (SEQ)
Perceived Usefulness (PU)
Perceived Ease of Use (PEU)
SQ ➞ BI *
IQ ➞ BI *
SEQ ➞ BI *
PU ➞ BI *
PEU ➞ BI *
Example: SQBI * (Indicates the relationship between system quality and behavioral intention to use is significant). Example: SQ ➞ BI ** (Indicates the relationship between system quality and behavioral intention to use is not significant).
Table 2. Previous studies of the relationship between quality factors and perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU).
Table 2. Previous studies of the relationship between quality factors and perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU).
StudiesSubject (N)Information SystemProposed FactorsFindings * Significant, ** Non Significant
Al-Debei (2014)Jordan
(N = 311)
University WebsitesSystem Quality (SQ) Information Quality (IQ)SQ ➞ PEU *
IQ ➞ PU *
Lwoga (2014)Tanzania (N = 408)Web Based SystemSystem Quality (SQ) Information Quality (IQ) Service Quality (SEQ)SQ ➞ PU *
IQ ➞ PU *
SEQ ➞ PU **
Cheng (2012)Taiwan
(N = 522)
E-learning SystemFunctionality (F) Interactivity (IN) Responsiveness (R) Interface Design (ID)
Content Quality (CQ) Design Quality (DQ)
Service Quality (SEQ)
F ➞ PEU *, F ➞ PU * ➞ IN
PEU *, IN ➞ PU * ➞ R
PEU **, R ➞ PU * ➞ ID ➞ PEU *, ID ➞ PU *CQ ➞ PEU *, CQ ➞ PU * ➞ DQ ➞ PEU *, DQ ➞ PU **
SEQ ➞ PEU *, SEQ ➞ PU *
Wang and Wang (2009)Taiwan
(N = 268)
Web Based Learning SystemSystem Quality (SQ) Information Quality (IQ) Service Quality (SEQ)SQ ➞ PEU *, SQ ➞ PU **
IQ ➞ PEU *,
IQ ➞ PU *
SEQ ➞ PEU *, SEQ ➞ PU *
Cho, Cheng, and Lai (2009)Hong Kong (N = 100)E-learningSystem Functionality (F)
Interface Design (ID)
F ➞ PEU *, F ➞ PU *
ID ➞ PEU *, ID ➞ PU *
Ahn (2007)Korea
(N = 492)
Web retailing siteSystem Quality (SQ) Information Quality (IQ) Service Quality (SEQ)SQ ➞ PEU *, SQ ➞ PU *
IQ ➞ PEU *, IQ ➞ PU *
SEQ ➞ PEU *, SEQ ➞ PU *
Pituch and Lee (2006)USA
(N = 259)
E-learningFunctionality (F) Interactivity (IN) Responsiveness (R)F ➞ PEU *, F ➞ PU * ➞ IN ➞ PEU *,
IN ➞ PU *
R ➞ PEU *, R ➞ PU *
Example: SQ ➞PU * (Indicates the relationship between system quality and perceived usefulness is significant). Example SQ ➞ PU ** (Indicates the relationship between system quality and perceived usefulness is not significant).
Table 3. Analysis of participants.
Table 3. Analysis of participants.
Characteristic Sample (N)Frequency (%)
GenderMale13028.9%
Female32071.2%
Age18–20105.7%
21–2541087.0%
Over 25308.3%
LevelUndergraduate39575.9%
Postgraduate12524.0%
Mobile OwnerAndroid204.5%
iPhone43095.5%
Prior experience with Mobile Learning AppYes450100%
No00.0%
UniversitiesKKU10022.2%
KSU10022.2%
KFU10022.2%
KIU10022.2%
TU5011.2%
TotalTotal450100%
Table 4. Reliability and convergent validity analyses.
Table 4. Reliability and convergent validity analyses.
ConstructsCronbach’s Alpha(AVE > 0.5)
System Quality0.890.912
Information Quality0.840.904
Service Quality0.870.855
Perceived Ease of Use0.880.888
Perceived usefulness0.910.854
Intention to Use0.800.843
Actual use0.930.937
Table 5. Discriminant validity analysis.
Table 5. Discriminant validity analysis.
SYQIYQSIQEUSPUSIUSAU
SYQ0.921
IYQ0.7970.965
SIQ0.6300.7580.877
EUS0.6460.6840.5450.886
PUS0.7590.7690.5630.6890.912
IUS0.7690.7920.6430.7070.7900.855
AU0.5300.6230.5060.6430.5270.6140.976
Table 6. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 1 (H1).
Table 6. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 1 (H1).
System QualityPerceived Ease of Use
System QualityPearson Correlation10.781 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived Ease of UsePearson Correlation0.781 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 7. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 2 (H2).
Table 7. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 2 (H2).
System QualityPerceived
Usefulness
System QualityPearson Correlation10.752 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived UsefulnessPearson Correlation0.752 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 8. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 3 (H3).
Table 8. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 3 (H3).
Information
Quality
Perceived Ease of Use
Information QualityPearson Correlation10.697 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived Ease of UsePearson Correlation0.697 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 9. Results of correlation analysis for hypothesis 4 (H4).
Table 9. Results of correlation analysis for hypothesis 4 (H4).
Information QualityPerceived Usefulness
Information QualityPearson Correlation10.710 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived UsefulnessPearson Correlation0.710 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 10. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 5 (H5).
Table 10. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 5 (H5).
Service QualityPerceived Ease of Use
Service QualityPearson Correlation10.657 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived Ease of UsePearson Correlation0.657 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 11. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 6 (H6).
Table 11. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 6 (H6).
Service QualityPerceived Usefulness
Service QualityPearson Correlation10.725 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived UsefulnessPearson Correlation0.725 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 12. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 7 (H7).
Table 12. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 7 (H7).
Perceived Ease of UsePerceived Usefulness
Perceived Ease of UsePearson Correlation10.626 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Perceived UsefulnessPearson Correlation0.626 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 13. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 8 (H8).
Table 13. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 8 (H8).
Perceived Ease of UseIntention to Use
Perceived Ease of UsePearson Correlation10.617 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Intention to UsePearson Correlation0.617 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 14. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 9 (H9).
Table 14. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 9 (H9).
Perceived UsefulnessIntention to Use
Perceived UsefulnessPearson Correlation10.766 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Intention to UsePearson Correlation0.766 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 15. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 10 (H10).
Table 15. Results of the correlation analysis for hypothesis 10 (H10).
Intention to UseActual Use
Intention to UsePearson Correlation10.785 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N450450
Actual UsePearson Correlation0.785 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N450450
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 16. Results of the structural equation modeling analysis.
Table 16. Results of the structural equation modeling analysis.
HypothesesPathImpactβSEt-ValueResults
H1SYQ → EUSPositive (+)0.3210.0514.733Supported
H2SYQ → PUSPositive (+)0.3660.0424.137Supported
H3IYQ → EUSPositive (+)0.3300.0751.331Supported
H4IYQ → PUSPositive (+)0.3540.0443.471Supported
H5SIQ → EUSPositive (+)0.3710.0913.114Supported
H6SIQ → PUSPositive (+)0.3660.0665.108Supported
H7EUS → PUSPositive (+)0.3150.0654.137Supported
H8EUS → IUSPositive (+)0.3090.0721.331Supported
H9PUS → IUSPositive (+)0.3610.0443.471Supported
H10IUS → AUPositive (+)0.3880.5533.114Supported
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Almaiah, M.A.; Hajjej, F.; Shishakly, R.; Lutfi, A.; Amin, A.; Awad, A.B. The Role of Quality Measurements in Enhancing the Usability of Mobile Learning Applications during COVID-19. Electronics 2022, 11, 1951. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11131951

AMA Style

Almaiah MA, Hajjej F, Shishakly R, Lutfi A, Amin A, Awad AB. The Role of Quality Measurements in Enhancing the Usability of Mobile Learning Applications during COVID-19. Electronics. 2022; 11(13):1951. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11131951

Chicago/Turabian Style

Almaiah, Mohammed Amin, Fahima Hajjej, Rima Shishakly, Abdalwali Lutfi, Ali Amin, and Ali Bani Awad. 2022. "The Role of Quality Measurements in Enhancing the Usability of Mobile Learning Applications during COVID-19" Electronics 11, no. 13: 1951. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11131951

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