Toward assessing the impact of mobile security issues in pedagogical delivery: A mobile learning case study

The hackers´ incentive to attack mobile devices is growing along with people´s increasing reliance on mobile technology usage. Mobile applications, text messaging and wireless networks open devices up to attack. Despite security risks mobile technologies have been reported to be instrumental in reshaping tertiary education in developing countries. While mobile security threats are a concern and mobile technologies´ potential to boost productivity in Higher education increases, little has been done to assess the impact of mobile security risks against utilization of hand-held technologies for learning. This paper argues that mobile security risks have a significant impact on mobile learning adoption. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) factors that promote Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) for learning adoption will be examined by exploring the pedagogical application of WhatsApp mobile software. Stratified random sampling was employed to select 20 interviewees. Findings of this study suggest that mobile security threats negatively affect intentions to use WhatsApp strategy for learning, hence extending the UTAUT.