Mobile Learning for English Language Acquisition: Taxonomy, Challenges, and Recommendations

Abstract

Mobile learning (m-learning) is increasingly becoming a popular global trend, especially among English language learners. However, despite the growing interest in mobile English language learning, there have been no reviews of research conducted on this subject. This paper represents the first attempt to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature (2010–2015) to identify the taxonomy and distribution of research as well as to identify the advantages and challenges and provide some recommendations to facilitate the effective use of mobile English language learning and its applications. Following a review protocol, articles on mobile English language learning from six major databases (IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, ERIC, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online Library) were reviewed. Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 133 related articles were identified. The results show that the majority of studies were conducted on application m-learning technologies. Pure mobile applications were the most widely-used applications in the English m-learning context. Meanwhile, concerns regarding quality, usability, integration, financial costs, security and privacy, pedagogical practice, and safety were found to be the main challenges of mobile English language learning. Finally, some recommendations are provided for users, developers/providers, and researchers. The results of this paper can assist users, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the education sector to allocate the necessary resources and make plans to mitigate the challenges and facilitate the effective use of mobile English language learning in educational practices.