Smartphone usage for accessing electronic resources amongdistance learners at the Open University of Tanzania: a UTAUTperspective

Abstract

In an increasingly digital educational environment, smartphoneshave emerged as important learning tools, especially for distancelearning students. This study investigated the use of smartphonesfor accessing electronic resources among distance learners at theOpen University of Tanzania (OUT). Specifically, it examined thetypes of electronic resources accessed and the barriers hinderingtheir effective use. Adopting a cross-sectional research design andthe Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)as a theoretical lens, this study collected data from 75 distancelearners selected via purposive sampling. A mixed-methodsapproach was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire withLikert-scale and open-ended questions to gather quantitative andqualitative insights. The study found that the majority of studentsrely heavily on smartphones to access core academic resourcessuch as course materials, university announcements, e-books, andjournals, as well as recorded lectures, establishing smartphones asindispensable tools for academic content consumption and institu-tional communication. However, usage significantly declines forhigh-stakes interactive tasks such as assignment submission andonline quizzes, highlighting functional limitations. Furthermore, thestudy identified unreliable internet connectivity, high data costs,device limitations, and uneven digital literacy as critical challenges.The study recommends the need for improved digital infrastructureand targeted institutional support.