Purpose: By surveying current literature, the purposes of this paper are twofold: to identify current situation of mobile learning (m-learning) adoption and specify the challenges and to identify the factors driving m-learning adoption. Design/methodology/approach: The paper reviews literature related to: m-learning applications and challenging issues and adoption researches on m-learning and related topics. A reflection on the unique nature of m-learning adoption building upon the literature reviewed contributes to a new conceptual model. Findings: Even if m-learning is fast evolving, the review of literature reveals a challenge as to how to promote m-learning adoption. In this light, the paper extends the scope of literature reviewed to the theories and factors relating to different roles m-learning users have into consideration, namely, technology user, consumer and learner, in an attempt to offer a more complete understanding of m-learning adoption. Insights are drawn from the proposed model. Practical implications: A number of m-learning projects have been initiated worldwide while guidelines drawing from m-learning adoption research are in short supply. A research in this regard will contribute to a better understanding of developing acceptable m-learning service. Originality/value: Based on a literature review, the paper not only specifies the current situation of m-learning adoption, but also develops factors influencing m-learning adoption to enrich our understanding of m-learning adoption--which help to facilitate and promote future empirical research. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)