Using Tablet Applications as Assistive Tools in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Abstract

A case study examined the contribution of tablet applications for English language acquisition and improvement of reading and reading comprehension skills among pupils diagnosed with learning disabilities and those not diagnosed with learning disabilities. Participants were Grade 4 pupils from a public school in central Israel in two groups. Group 1 included two boys and two girls diagnosed with learning disabilities; Group 2 included two boys and two girls not diagnosed with learning disabilities. English learning applications were used with the intent of improving the abilities of letter recognition, reading, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and oral expression in English in a fun way relevant to the pupils' lives. Findings indicated a more pronounced improvement in English reading and reading comprehension skills among pupils who were diagnosed with learning disabilities. The research also confirms that the use of tablet applications resulted in increased motivation for learning.