The Paradox of Acceptance and Rejection: the Perception of Healthcare Professional Students about Mobile Learning Acceptance in Iran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Objective: A qualitative study was conducted to explore the perception of healthcare professional students about mobile learning acceptance. Method: The study was performed using a conventional content analysis method. The subjects were the students of medical sciences in Iran University of Medical Science. Sampling was based on a purposeful sampling method. Twenty-three students took part in semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. Results: The main theme was “the paradox of acceptance and rejection” with three categories; (1) perceived attraction (sub-categories: learning with the excitement of entertainment, the attraction of multimedia learning environment and enthusiasm for electronic learning); (2) perceived ease (sub-categories: easy access to information anytime and anywhere and easy and effortless use); and (3) perceived conflict (sub-categories: teachers’ contradictory behavioral patterns, contradiction about value of online information, friends’ contradictory behavioral patterns, and digital gap between generations in family). Conclusion: The three categories found in the study placed the students in a dilemma of using or not using mobile learning. They had doubts about accepting mobile technology as a legitimate educational tool. Taking these factors into account and managing them can pave the way for mobile learning in the students.