Pilot Study for Use of Memrise Application by Korean Junior College Students Studying EFL Vocabulary in a Blended Learning Context

Abstract

Blended learning can present difficulties in terms of student usage of applications outside of the classroom. This pilot study aimed to investigate the use of a free online based learning application (Memrise) employed in a supplementary model of blended learning at a junior college in central South Korea. The study employed mixed methodology, consisting chiefly of collection of behavioral data as a byproduct of application use in order to determine the extent of student elective application use. The central question of the study aimed at determining the extent to which freshmen college students voluntarily utilized a freely accessible multimedia web-based application in a supplemental model blended learning context. Questionnaire and focus group data was collected to explore factors affecting participant application use. Application use results were diverse, with some using it to a great extent, and others making no use of it. Quantitative and qualitative data explored these results by identifying elements which influenced application usage. It was found that internet access was not a problem for most participants, and that the application in question could be used with blended learning. The findings suggest that applications used in blended learning would be more successful on mobile than desktop platforms.