Mobile Assisted Language Learning Research Articles

Investigating the facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use and usefulness of mobile-assisted language learning

Mobile technologies and factors influencing English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ willingness to integrate them into their learning processes are significant. This study aims at investigating the role of facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness as factors in predicting Iranian EFL learners’ perceptions toward mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). Accordingly, data were collected from 223 Iranian EFL learners who had their English language courses in the two major educational contexts (i.e., public schools and private institutes). Considering the first phase of the study, a statistically significant relationship was found between the three hypothesized factors (i.e., facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness) and learners’ perceptions toward MALL. Furthermore, the facilitating conditions were associated with learners’ perceived ease of use. Regarding the second phase of the study, the analysis of the path coefficients indicated a significant predictive power of perceived usefulness on perceptions toward MALL. Also indicated in this study is the significant effect of facilitating conditions on learners’ perceived ease of use. The results are discussed in the light of the literature, and suggestions for further research are provided.

Chinese college students’ preferences for mobile-assisted language learning classes and their effects on student engagement in English language classrooms

ABSTRACT Purpose This research investigated college student preferences for and engagement in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) classes and whether the level of class engagement differed among students according to class preferences. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods approach, 115 first-year college students who were experiencing an innovative learning method, i.e., taking both traditional and MALL classes simultaneously, were invited to participate in the survey, and six of them were also invited to participate in the interviews. Findings and originality/value The analyses indicated that participants were highly engaged in MALL classes and liked the flexibility and learning resources. A greater number of participants preferred traditional language classes over mobile-assisted classes due to real-time communication and being better able to focus in the former. Participants preferring for MALL classes were significantly more engaged in such learning approaches than those without such a preference. These results indicate that mobile technologies are effective in assisting language learning and teaching, and student preferences regarding class type shape their engagement in language classrooms. The reasons behind students' active engagement and the effects of class preference on student engagement in MALL classrooms are discussed. Implications for how to promote meaningful engagement in MALL classrooms are offered.

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Intervention and Its Effect on English Language Proficiency of EFL Learners: A Meta-Analysis

Some researchers have investigated the impact of mobile language learning on English proficiency for EFL learners. Mobile language learning has a positive effect on English skills in EFL students. However, the effectiveness of language learning with mobile assistance to enhance the success of EFL students remains to be discussed. Furthermore, it is not known if the effects of mobile-assisted language learning vary based on context. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the findings of experimental studies assessing the impact of mobile-assisted language learning on the English language proficiency of EFL learners between 2015 and 2021. Experimental studies on mobile-assisted language learning and EFL learner English proficiency were analyzed using meta-analysis. The study found that the model of the random effects was utilized, and the effect size was determined to be substantial (d = 0.91). The meta-analysis calculated 25 effect sizes of type- d for the 25 studies. The analysis of moderator variables examined five different characteristics whose effects differed significantly only concerning majors, language learning objectives, and instrument type.

Teachers' Perspective towards Using the "Lets View" Application as Innovative Learning Media for Elementary Students in English Foreign Language Classroom

The advancement of technology has a significant impact on teaching English nowadays. One of the tools that can quickly provide access to language learning is a mobile device. Moreover, the rising use of mobile devices or Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has been closely linked to the role of EFL teachers. Hence, this study aimed to investigate teachers' perspectives towards using the "Lets View" application for elementary students in the EFL classroom. The study was conducted by implementing a qualitative method. The instrument used in this study was questionnaires and interviews. The subject of this study was six English elementary school teachers who teach using the LV application in a private school in Surabaya. The results showed that using the new learning media, such as the LV application in EFL classrooms, is very useful for teachers. It is due to that this application can use mobile phones or iPad as the second portable blackboard for teaching reading, writing, and vocabulary and giving quizzes for beginner-level students. The researchers also revealed four obstacles EFL teachers face when implementing the LV application: internet connection, time limitation, lack of teachers' competence, and lack of student's English skills. Besides, several ways to increase students' learning engagement include allowing students to raise their hands, playing the game on the application, and guessing English vocabulary by giving pictures that appeared on it. To sum up, teachers viewed the LV application as suitable media for learning English at school.

English Language Learners’ Attitude and Challenge Utilized M-Learning: Comparison Mobile Application Moodle and Google Classroom

Mobile learning became the alternative device and gadget in the online learning environment. Its implementation enabled English language learners to acquire and archive learning content regardless of their location or environment, ensuring that online learning is relevant. However, compact devices are restricted with various technicality challenges, and English lecturers and learners need their adaptation in university. The study aimed to measure and compare English language learners’ attitudes and challenge toward Moodle and Google Classroom mobile application (app). The study employed a quantitative descriptive approach applied to the survey research design cross-sectional. 149 English language learners were concerned as participants from South Jakarta Universities. The questioner findings revealed that the Google Classroom application had a moderately positive attitude toward mobile phones for language learning and teaching than Moodle Application. These findings suggest that the challenges of both platforms could be minimized by recognizing the comprehensive feature from both applications. The English language learners utilized and adopted to learn and develop their communicative capabilities in the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) context. Its platforms could have the alternative device for conducting a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) rather than a personal computer or laptop interface. The characteristics of Moodle and Google Classroom mobile applications supported and enhanced both learners’ individual and social aspects of the online learning environment. The comparable parameters displayed Google Classroom application was more compatible with learning media than Moodle application. Nevertheless, the advance and complete feature would be accessed from Moodle application than Google Classroom.

Social media and psychology of language learning: The role of telegram-based instruction on academic buoyancy, academic emotion regulation, foreign language anxiety, and English achievement

The great need and tendency to apply online classes ask for using new technologies in language teaching. Social Networking (SN) tools, in particular, Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), open new perspectives in language learning and teaching. The employment of SN in language learning may affect the learners’ mental health and emotional safety. Despite the attributions of the Telegram application in learning and the contributions of academic buoyancy (AB), academic emotion regulation (AER), and management of foreign language anxiety (FLA) to English achievement (EA), this field was left unexplored. To this end, the current study attempted to gauge the impact of the Telegram-based instruction on AB, AER, FLA, as well as EA. 79 EFL learners took part in the research and were randomly divided in to control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). The instruction for the CG was through regular online instruction (webinar platforms). The EG received Telegram-based instruction. The results of MANOVA displayed significant differences between the post-tests of CG and EG. The findings illustrated that the Telegram instruction improved the levels of AB, AER, and FLA management, which accelerated EA. The pedagogical implications of the study were discussed and may assist learners, teachers, teacher educators, policymakers, materials developers, as well as curriculum designers.

Chronotope, technology affordances, and task design: using WeChat to facilitate Chinese learning in the classroom

AbstractThis paper makes a case for the Bakhtinian concept of “chronotope” in explaining the space–time affordances of technology in second language pedagogy. It examines the production of space–time that intersects online/offline, formal/informal and local/translocal activities in task-based language teaching. Drawing on an example of instructional design using WeChat to facilitate the learning of business Chinese, this paper illustrates that the chronotopic affordances of mobile apps such as WeChat, when creatively integrated with task-based language pedagogy, can significantly expand the learning mobility and opportunities defined by the classroom in its traditional sense. This chronotopic expansion enables learners to be positioned in digitally mediated and simulated scenarios and roles that transcend the space–time of the classroom, closely resembling real-world communication in the globalising world. It is suggested that language task design, taking into account the chronotopic affordances of technology, can facilitate authentic and networked space–time of learning by embedding it in mobile, hybrid, individualised and collaborative contexts. The chronotope concept helps us not only critically understand the complexity of mobile-assisted language learning but also theoretically reimagine the classroom chronotopes and the roles, relationships and processes of learning in an increasingly technology-based knowledge economy in post-pandemic education.

EFL SPEAKING STUDENT READINESS TO USE MOBILE-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING

In recent years, mobile-assisted language learning has been on the rise as an instructional approach. While some innovative media platforms have been highly studied, Thus, this study focused on how students' readiness and learning outcomes the use of mobile phones to facilitate individualized instruction in public speaking as part of an English as a Foreign Language course. Data were collected from (n=42) students in non-English department classes who participated in this study. They were asked to answer an online questionnaire that surveyed their readiness and outcomes using Google Foam in their speaking skills. All participants performed two class projects aimed at aiding them in exploring mobile-assisted language learning using their own mobile devices. However, the students self-reported some opportunities and benefits for English Foreign Language Learners (EFLL) among these MALL users. The results of this study suggest that EFL-speaking students' readiness affects mobile-assisted language learning. Teachers should consider students' motivation, attitudes, and technology skills when creating mobile-assisted language learning programs. Instructors should also train and motivate pupils to use mobile-assisted language learning resources by improving their technology skills. Furthermore, need for further technical support and facilitating students' mastery of speaking performance.

Unpacking Stages of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Adoption: A Narrative Inquiry

Technological advancements necessitate adaptation in the field of education, particularly for language teachers. This need cannot simply be accommodated in the classroom. In the process of adopting technology, teachers experience various processes that must be got through. This current study was aimed at filling the gap in the issues related to the complexity of MALL adoption in higher education. To fill the need for descriptive richness and picture the entire adoption process, a qualitative approach was used; specifically, Narrative Inquiry (NI). There was a total of three people who participated in the research. Data was gathered through the use of a narrative frame, an empty box, and a structured interview guide. The study's findings highlight the simultaneous and ongoing nature of the adoption process. Three distinct phases of adoption were identified by this research: acceptance (before use), usage (during use), and confirmation (after use), with three distinct evaluation procedures for each phase. Another important finding is that intention is not necessarily a drive to usage. There is review process that bridges the intention and usage. The process of intention and review are simultaneous. Nevertheless, whereas intention is likely immediate, the review takes longer period of decision making. The review process could be the answer to the debate in TAM studies related to the reasons of inconsistency of the intention to use to the usage.

The effect of mobile‐assisted learning in real language attainment: A systematic review

AbstractBackgroundAs more people around the globe become immigrants or refugees, an increasingly popular subsection of research has aimed to investigate how these populations use mobile‐assisted language learning (MALL) to learn the language(s) of the host country.ObjectivesThis study examines how the language learning, inclusion and self‐regulation are moderated by MALL different methods in immigrants and foreigners (with different backgrounds) regarding two settings (foreign language and second language).Materials and methodsWe desired to explore whether MALL results in better language learning for foreigners, refugees and immigrants compared to traditional methods (physical tools) and how various factors affect MALL, such as whether MALL is utilized in a formal versus informal context. Hence, this article conducts a systematic review through a meta‐analysis and thematic analysis of 17 total quantitative and qualitative studies regarding MALL research on immigrants and refugees.Results and ConclusionsOur results suggested that the MALL method is in general beneficial for second or foreign language learning, but with limitations based on the individual learner (motivations, demographics, etc.) and sociocultural factors, especially within informal contexts (e.g. fear of being seen as an immigrant when using a mobile learning app). Considering the variables that affect MALL that we observed and discussed in our review, we suggest more attention to the specific needs and potential issues refugees and immigrants may encounter when using MALL in order to create mobile applications that best aid this population in learning the host country's language(s), thus making resettlement an easier process.

Mobile Technologies to Improve Graduate Students' Communication Abilities

Every person has an ingrained desire to learn. Human beings have developed new approaches, methods, and tools for acquiring the language using their intellect and experiences from the prehistoric era to the modern, technologically advanced era. According to the Encyclopedia of Language Learning, since the dawn of human civilization, everyone has developed and learned in their immediate surroundings, which includes politics, economics, education, and technology. Such a setting molds and shapes human minds to act for development at every level and become motivated to accomplish goals. Through some transitional phases of English language learning, such as moving from the grammar-translation technique to more modern communicative language teaching and from computer-assisted language learning to mobile-assisted language learning, this human psychology of language learning can be realized. The subject of current education has emerged as a technology and innovation representative. The rapid advancement of technology has made it more important than ever for people to use it effectively in their daily lives. In this stage of evolution, users place a high value on finishing their tasks successfully, whether through social interaction, informational learning, or language acquisition. The rapid advancement of computer-assisted language learning and the abundance of software and web pages have led to the emergence of the acronym "MALL" (mobile-assisted language learning). A tool that is available anywhere, at any moment, has been required to access this software and websites. The fast advancement of mobile technology and the creation of ever-more-advanced features enabled mobile devices to begin aiding in and offering the resources for software and website accessibility at the same time. The laptop has taken the place of the desktop, which is now progressively being replaced by the use of a cutting-edge palm top. People can now study and acquire information thanks to technological advancements and inventions like Android smartphones, tablets, iPhones, and iPods. Any scholar who looks into determining its efficacy during the transition phase is alarmed by the context of such current, emerging issues in the study and teaching of languages. As a result, a lot of research is being done in the area of mobile technology to determine the value and efficacy of different portable devices in general and mobile-assisted language learning in particular.

Undergraduate EFL Learners’ Use and Acceptance of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Mobile-assisted language learning has received growing attention from the technology industry through the proliferation of mobile learning platforms and applications. The literature has promoted the potential effectiveness of such platforms. However, little attention has been given to learners’ use behavior and perceptions, which play an essential role in successful implementation. In addition, research is scare on the acceptance and use of MALL to learn English in Middle Eastern countries. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 was employed in this study to examine the main factors affecting the acceptance and use of MALL among 945 undergraduate EFL learners in Saudi Arabia. The findings demonstrated that the constructs of habit, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and social influence were significant indicators of EFL learners’ behavioral intention to use MALL. Out of habit, behavioral intention, and facilitating conditions, habit was the only construct with a significant impact on participants’ use behavior.

ESP Students’ Perceptions on the Use of Whatsapp Application as a Learning Tool

The development of technology provides a huge impact on the educational setting which increasing Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) usage especially in supporting ESP students. One of the mobile applications used in supporting language learning is WhatsApp Messenger. This study aimed to investigate ESP students’ perceptions on the use of WhatsApp in English language learning. The research approach was a descriptive quantitative approach while the design of this research was a survey. The participants were 22 male ESP students who followed the English class held by Helutrans Art-moving Company. For collecting the data, the researcher employed a questionnaire adapted from Mistar Embi (2016). The questionnaire consisted of three parts such as the attitude towards WhatsApp, the usefulness of WhatsApp and also the constraint in using WhatsApp. In analyzing the data, it applied descriptive statistics using SPSS version 26 in the form of frequencies, means, and standard deviations. The findings of the research revealed that the majority of the research participants had positive perceptions concerning the use of WhatsApp in the ESP setting. It implied that ESP students agreed for using WhatsApp on language learning was easy, useful and effective in increasing their motivation, interest, confidence, and their activeness. They also felt that using WhatsApp could increase their English skill such as listening, reading, writing and speaking.

How Instagram as a MALL tool impacts EAP learners' technical vocabulary learning and perceptions in an electronic context.

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) technology and the link it creates with language education domains made researchers interested in the plausible effects of MALL tools on English for academic purposes (EAP) students' language development. Likewise, this study investigated the effect of Instagram as a MALL tool on technical vocabulary knowledge of Iranian EAP university students (physical education major) in an electronic course conducted via Adobe Connect as well as their perceptions and attitudes toward Instagram. In a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design, 60 EAP university students at the intermediate level were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group who practiced technical vocabulary in physical education via different tasks on Instagram. Both groups participated in an online pretest and posttest of technical vocabulary, yet only the experimental group completed a questionnaire about their perceptions and attitudes toward Instagram. The repeated-measures two-way ANOVA on the test scores indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group in learning technical vocabulary. Further, analysis of the responses to the questionnaire revealed positive perceptions and attitudes toward Instagram as a supplementary MALL tool for learning technical vocabulary. The findings encourage EAP instructors to use Instagram as an accessible MALL application to share their teaching materials with learners.

Task Based Approach: An Approach to Develop Writing Skills in English of Engineering Students Leads to Effective Communication Skills

Abstract : 21st century students are expecting an educational system that works for and with them. The teaching-learning process is shifted from teachercentered to student-centered through innovative teaching-learning techniques. With the advancement of technology and globalization, communication skills in English language, as a life-long learning skill is an essential component in engineering education as an employability skill. Communication is one of 11 key outcomes designed by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Listening, speaking, reading, and writing (LSRW) are considered as four basic language skills, contributed major role in developing communication skills in English language. Though all skills are equally important, writing is the stepping stone in verbal communication yet difficult to acquire without knowledge or mastery on the remaining three skills. Currently teaching-learning process is shifted from chalk and talk to the implementation of various approaches based on cooperative and collaborative learning and integration of Information and Communication Technology in English Proficiency class. Some effective approaches are computer assisted language learning, mobile assisted language learning, technology enabled language learning, project based, problem based & puzzle-based language learning, flipped classroom based language learning, and task based language learning. The present paper aims to study the effective implementation of Task based approach in English language classroom to develop writing skills of F. Y. B. Tech students with other 21st century life skills by implementing various tasks-based activities as per need analysis of learners in order to ensure their active participation. Total 50 students were enrolled as an experimental group. The impact of selected approach was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative assessment was based on rating method whereas the qualitative was based on rubrics. The findings revealed that there is significant improvement not only in the writing skills of experimental group students but also listening, speaking, and reading skills, leading to effective communication skills in English Language. Keywords : Communication skills; Task based approach; Writing skills

Revolutionising dual language learning for young learners with the RILCA app: a mobile-assisted approach

The rising popularity of mobile technologies has led to an increase in mobile-assisted language learning, in which students can independently learn any language at any time they choose. However, research into the efficacy of such studies for dual-language learning has been restricted, notably in regard to a researcher-created mobile learning application (app). This paper reports on a study that examined the dual-language development of 146 young Thai pupils from three different primary schools who participated in a fifteen-week language instruction experiment through the use of the RILCA app. They were assigned to either an experimental group (mobile-supported class) with RILCA-based activity or a control group (conventional class) that performed traditional activity. At the conclusion of the experiment, a dual-language vocabulary, sentence, and grammatical achievement test was conducted to see whether this mobile app increased the course's learning outcomes. The findings of the vocabulary, sentence, and grammatical comprehension tests reveal that the experimental group outperformed the control group. Implications for deploying the RILCA app to boost dual language learning in elementary schools are also discussed.

Integrating mobile assisted language learning (MALL) into EFL classes at a tertiary level

Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) practices have gained increasing popularity thanks to the advancements in mobile technologies. Accordingly, a growing number of initiatives have been taken to integrate it into language learning process. However, a gap in the literature has been observed to measure the effects of MALL on students’ writing competence at a tertiary level in Iraq. To this aim, it was sought to pinpoint the influence of MALL on 60 Language Preparatory School students’ writing competence at TISHK International University by employing snowball sampling technique within 12 weeks in 2021-2022 Academic Year. The study was conducted in an Academic Writing course that required the students to write an essay weekly. The data were collected via exams, a questionnaire, an interview and a survey which were analyzed either by SPSS 23. or MAXQDA software applications in this mixed methods design study. Control group students received a traditional instruction, while experimental group students were trained based on the procedure of MALL. The findings unearthed that MALL practices increased students’ marks dramatically, boosted students’ motivation and increased students’ overall attitudes towards learning English. The findings of this study can have some implications for the educators who consider the implementation of MALL practices at educational institutions.

Mobile Educational Game Principles in Language Learning: Validity and reliability

Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has become a popular topic recently due to the rapid development of mobile devices. The objective of this study is to revalidate game principles via MALL and to obtain consensus and expert opinions on the principles. The study employs the Fuzzy Delphi technique to collect responses from nine English Language specialists. The triangular fuzzy numbering method was used to analyze the data, and the 'defuzzification' process was used to determine each variable's position (ranking). According to the findings, the response and expert consensus on the game principles scale is satisfactory.   footnote Correction - removal of Todd Cochrane as a co-author

Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish EFL teachers’ perceptions on the use of OER language processing technologies in MALL: A replication study

AbstractThis study replicates the research conducted by Pérez-Paredes, Ordoñana Guillamón and Aguado Jiménez (2018) on language teachers’ perceptions on the use of OER language processing technologies in mobile-assisted language learning. It expands the initial research study by adding Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish educational contexts, surveying 239 English as a foreign language teachers in these three countries. The main findings indicate that there are several differences among the three countries, including institutional support regarding the use of mobile devices and the training provided to the teachers. Based on the data collected in these countries, it was found that mobile devices are mainly used for teaching and learning on online platforms. Smartphones were one of the most used devices in English language teaching, while computer labs at schools seem to have lost their popularity. Regarding the technologies available, the results of the study reveal that the participants are most familiar with online dictionaries, spell checkers, and online collocation dictionaries, and the participants’ qualifications are linked to certain differences in familiarity and use of technologies in the classroom. Variables such as gender, age, and years of experience do not show any difference in the familiarity or frequency of use of those technologies. The main findings of the study point out the importance of institutional support and training regarding the use of mobile devices and open educational resources, which are no longer a choice but a necessity in education.

Mentoring Teachers during Covid-19: A Collaborative Organizational Approach

Mentoring is an essential part of teacher development. It is generally acknowledged that a master talent in mentoring is the ability to make resources available to a novice protégé to help them educate successfully. This study illustrates how mentorship technique aided in boosting teacher motivation for online instruction during COVID-19. According to the research, learning is successful when there are close relationships between mentors and mentees, opportunities for growth, and a supportive atmosphere. The investigation took place in a Nepalese school in Kathmandu. Ten English Language (EL) instructors from Nursery - 10 participated in the study. They were mentored by the head of the English Department and a computer assistant for two months. The Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model of mentoring was used, which stood on connectivism philosophy. The study employed a narrative methodology. Semi-structured interview and thematic analysis techniques were used to produce and analyse data. Standing on their stories, the teachers were familiarized with the concept of Web-Enhanced Language Learning (WELL), Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Finally, teachers produced technology enhanced lesson plans fusing the content with technology for the new pedagogy. To assess the results of mentoring during the pre-phase, while-phase, and post-phase, in-depth interviews were carried out. The findings highlight the difficulties mentees faced: a lack of confidence or a sense of inferiority in online teaching environment, as well as how self-sufficiency was restored after mentoring. According to the study, effective mentorship can still take place in challenging educational circumstances.