Effects of using mobile devices in blended learning for English reading comprehension

Abstract

Mobile devices are a recent addition to the information and communication technologies (ICT) for English learning. The availability of smart phones is so wide spread among most college students that mobile technology can expand opportunities to enhance foreign language skills. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the effects of mobile phone usage in blended learning of reading comprehension. Forty-four participants were assigned into one experimental (n=23) and one control group (n=21). The participants in the experimental group were asked to discuss reading topics through their mobile device outside of class each week while those in the control group were not. All the participants took pre- and post-tests to compare means after the experiment. The results from the study indicated that all the participants improved their reading comprehension after the experiment. Meanwhile, the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in reading comprehension. According to a survey, most of the students in the experimental group considered it useful and helpful to use mobile phones for English learning. The findings of this study can provide pedagogical implications and suggestions for utilizing mobile phones as an effective and flexible learning tool.