Exploring Enablers and Barriers to the use of Mobile Apps for Training and Learning in the Australian Army

Abstract

Throughout time, the concept of training has been essential to the progression of civilization. With new technologies emerging rapidly organisations are changing the way they conduct training. The Australian Army is interested in optimising training outcomes through mobile technologies in order to have their people ‘future ready’. Of particular interest to Army are mobile applications (‘apps’), designed for smartphones and tablets. These are widely utilized for training in civilian sectors and there is evidence for their effectiveness. Despite growing reliance on technology, there are limited studies in a military context exploring uptake of mobile technologies. Previous studies in Australian and other Defence forces have suggested that personnel are reluctant to use apps for training, hence the need to investigate barriers hindering uptake. Eighteen Australian Army personnel participated in this study. Purposive sampling ensured diversity in participants’ gender, age, rank, and Corps. Individual interviews explored device ownership and use, mobile experiences and preferences, perceived benefits, opportunities, and challenges. Data analysis used Braun and Clarke’s (2012) thematic analysis approach, uncovering five themes and seven subthemes. Army personnel were generally positive towards the use of apps, but identified barriers such as security, privacy and a clash between technology and traditions. The results are presented and discussed within the context of theoretical models such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1986), Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM) (Kim & Park, 2012) and Mobile app rating scale (MARS) (Stoyanov et al., 2015). Recommendations for further research are also discussed.