Experiential Learning and Technology Acceptance: Agrotechnology Students’ Readiness to Adopt Industrial Internet of Things in Smart Fertigation

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into agricultural education is increasingly important for preparing graduates for Agriculture 4.0. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies offer opportunities for automated monitoring, remote management and data-driven agricultural production. This study examined agrotechnology students’ knowledge, perceptions and acceptance of IIoT following structured experiential exposure to an IIoT-enabled fertigation system. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 undergraduate students at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia. Students participated in face-to-face technology knowledge-transfer activities involving theoretical instruction and practical exposure at a fertigation site. A structured questionnaire comprising 47 closed-ended items was administered using a five-point Likert scale, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reliability analysis in SPSS version 26.0. The findings indicated high levels of knowledge and understanding of IIoT applications in agriculture (M = 4.34, SD = 0.80), positive perceptions and willingness towards IIoT (M = 4.35, SD = 0.62), and favourable attitudes, acceptance and readiness (M = 4.44, SD = 0.79). Thus, students showed a significant desire to use the technology in agricultural activities and take part in IIoT-related training. However, they highlighted the importance of skilled operators, technical guidance, affordability and service availability. The findings suggest that structured experiential exposure provides a relevant educational context for developing students’ understanding and readiness towards IIoT and supports the integration of practical, industry-linked digital technology competencies into agricultural education curricula.