This research study adapted the integrated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Task-Technology Fit (TTF) Model to examine the degree of technology acceptance of handhelds in local secondary education with specific application to the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) for Geography fieldwork. This research aimed to firstly investigate the students’ attitudes and behavioral intentions to use PDA for Geography fieldwork by considering the factors of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intrinsic motivation, prestige, tool functionality and task-technology fit. Secondly, the suitability of the PDA to support the task of data collection for geography fieldwork would be examined. The study was conducted with a group of 39 Secondary Three male and female students in a Singapore government school. Findings from regression analysis showed that these students seemed to value more on the tool functionality and usefulness of the device in helping them complete their tasks during geography fieldwork. Perceived usefulness of the mobile device was most significant in influencing its acceptance as compared to intrinsic motivation, prestige and perceived ease of use. On the other hand, perception on ease of use and TTF influenced perception on the usefulness of the PDA. Both TTF and tool functionality also significantly affected the perceived ease of use of PDA. Their attitude affected their intention to use PDA for future fieldwork. Lastly, tool functionality also determined the match of the technology to the fieldwork tasks.Master of Science (Information Studies
