The Effectiveness of Internet and Mobile Applications in English Language Learning for Health Sciences’ Students in a University in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of internet and mobile applications on enhancing students’ language skills. It examines the students’ opinion regarding English online learning using the different internet or mobile applications. The participants were approximately 80 students from RAK Medical and Health Sciences University located in Ras Al Khaimah in The United Arab Emirates. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. The results revealed that internet applications have a positive impact on learning English as a foreign language. Students’ attitudes towards using internet applications for learning English scored very high in certain areas, while the impact was lower in some other areas that is related to speaking, listening or to group discussions. Based on these results, the researcher suggests that internet applications can be activated at all stages of English language learning and teaching. The implementation of mobile and internet applications is recommended together with the face-to-face learning as a sort of blended learning. It can be budget friendly for universities and at the same time effortless for the students as long as it gives the same impact as face-to-face learning. Therefore, the significance of the study is to try to utilize the best online technological method for teaching and learning English Language that is useful to instructors, institutions as well as students.