Subscription video streaming for informal foreign language learning: Japanese EFL students’ practices and perceptions

Abstract

AbstractThe use of video streaming services has exploded over the past several years. However, although the use of video is a well‐studied topic in computer‐assisted language learning literature, the use of video streaming for out‐of‐class, informal foreign language (FL) learning has received little attention. This study addresses this gap in the literature. Specifically, the study investigated Japanese university students’ practices regarding the use of subscription video streaming services (SVSSs) for informal FL learning and examined their opinions about the use of these tools for informal FL learning. A survey was administered to second language English students at four Japanese universities to achieve the study’s goals. In addition, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 of the participants to gain more insight into their opinions of SVSSs for FL learning. A total of 256 students participated and fully completed the survey. The results indicate that informal FL learning through SVSSs is common among FL students and that learners have favorable views toward their use for language learning. These findings highlight the need to examine students’ digital practices such as video streaming in order to bridge the gap between out‐of‐class informal language learning and formal language learning in the classroom.