Abstract
Using mobile technology in English learning and teaching has been on the rise all over the world over the past few decades and hence, has received considerable attention and importance from academics in recent years. As a result, several experimental studies have been carried out about the use and effectiveness of mobile phones in the teaching/learning process. However, there have been only a few studies on mobile-assisted listening comprehension. This study aims to explore whether Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is effective in teaching/learning listening skills to the students of university-level English language programs and could better enhance students’ listening ability. It also endeavors to assess why some MALL strategies/techniques are more effective than others. This study uses a qualitative research method. It exclusively uses the relevant secondary materials available on the broader topic- the use and efficacy of mobile phones in teaching/learning listening skills. The results indicated that the MALL is meaningfully efficacious in teaching/learning ESL/EFL listening skills. Therefore, using appropriate strategies could positively contribute to bringing about better learning. Besides outlining a brief overview of MALL, the study also recommends some practical and useful stratagems that ESL/EFL educators can use while designing MALL listening tasks/activities.
Highlights
Using technology in the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language (EFL)has received much importance and attention over the last few decades throughout the world
Following are the criteria: a) All articles reviewed in this paper were electronically searched on the York University library database, Google scholar, or peer-reviewed online journals. b) All articles chosen for the current research are empirical studies in nature. c) All articles were searched with a specific focus on “Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in teaching ESL/EFL listening skills. d) Any articles that focused on other educational settings or other languages (Second languages other than English) were excluded from the study. e) Any articles before 2010 were excluded as smartphone-based MALL learning/teaching started since 2007
The above literature suggests that mobile-based listening comprehension teaching/learning is effective to a certain extent in different educational settings
Summary
Using technology in the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language (EFL)has received much importance and attention over the last few decades throughout the world. This integration of many sophisticated devices in education has initiated many technology-based approaches and methods which have broadly helped learning come out of the constraints of time and place, enabling learners to study whenever and wherever possible These trends have introduced a new learning/teaching practice- transforming from outmoded classroom learning to electronic learning (E-learning). The use of MALL in the arena of English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) has increased ever than before Smart technologies such as 5G networks, WIFI, touch screens, photo and video options, code reading capabilities, voice and image recognition, MP3/4 players, screen sharing facilities, GPS, SMS, MMS, e-mail, virtual gaming, internet, and most lately, mobile-based applications and Web 2.0 resources have helped mobile devices overcome the limitations they had in the late 1990s and early 2000s
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