The Role of Mobile Phones As Effective Tools For Language Learning By Libyan EFL Learners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30762/jeels.v6i2.1234Keywords:
Libyan EFL learners, mobile learning, mobile phones, smart phonesAbstract
The current technological era has witnessed a great advancement in the world of mobile technology. Mobiles gadgets have now turned out to be an integral element of the daily life. Given the fact that mobile devices can be used to serve a number of functions, EFL learners can utilize them regularly to enhance their process of learning and attain good learning outcome. This article intends to explore the effectiveness of using mobile phones in language learning by Libyan EFL learners. To further investigate this issue, questionnaires were administered to 151 Libyan EFL undergraduate students from the English department of Sebha University and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with 18 students. The results revealed that using mobile phones in learning was effective to a great extent. Besides, the majority of Libyan EFL learners utilized their mobile phones mostly to check meaning of words, to listen to English songs and to develop reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. The findings also demonstrated that Libyan EFL learners exhibited positive perceptions towards using mobile phones in learning English.
References
Ababneh, S. (2017). Using mobile phones in learning English: The case of Jordan. Journal of Education and Human Development, 6(4), 120-128.
Abadi, S.M., & Saadi, F. (2015). Exploring Iranian EFL university students’ attitudes toward mobile applications for vocabulary learning. International Journal of Language Learning and Applied Linguistics World (IJLLALW), 9(1), 130-142.
Abbasi, M., & Hashemi, M. (2013). The impact/s of using mobile phone on English language vocabulary retention. International Research Journal of Applied and Basic Sciences, 4(3), 541-547.
Abdous, M., Facer, B. R., & Yen, C. J. (2012). Academic effectiveness of podcasting: A comparative study of integrated versus supplemented use of podcasting in second language classes. Computers and Education, 58(1), 43-52.
Ahmed, M.D. (2017). Mobile devices: Are they tools or toys for Saudi college students. Global Journal of Educational Studies, 3(2), 32-50.
Albers, M., & Kim, L. (2001). Information design for the small-screen interface: An overview of web design issues for personal digital assistants. Technical Communications, 49(1), 45-60.
Alemi, M., Sarab, M. R. A., & Lari, Z. (2012). Successful learning of academic word list via MALL: Mobile assisted language learning. Canadian Center of Science and Education, 5(6), 99-109.
Al-Fahad, F. N. (2009). Students’ attitudes and perceptions towards the effectiveness of mobile learning in King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 8(2), 111-119.
AlHajri, R., Al-Sharhan, S., & Al-Hunaiyyan, A. (2017). Students’ perceptions of mobile learning: Case study of Kuwait. International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, 11(2), 371-374.
Al-Wasy, B.Q., & Mahdi, H.S. (2016). The effect of mobile phone applications on improving EFL learners' self-editing. Journal of Education and Human Development, 5(3), 149-157.
Anastasia, E.M. (2013). College students’ cell phone use, beliefs, and effects on their learning. College Student Journal, 47(4), 585-592.
Baleghizadeh, S., & Oladrostam, E. (2010). The effect of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on grammatical accuracy of EFL students. MEXTESOL Journal, 34(2), 77–86.
Basenese, L. (2013). The most important (and profitable) technology trend of our lifetimes. Wall Street Daily. Retrieved from https://www.wallstreetdaily.com/2013/10/17/mobile-devices-growth-trend
Begum, R. (2011). Prospect for cell phones as instructional tools in the EFL classroom: A case study of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. English Language Teaching, 4(1), 105–115.
Beres, D. (2011). Mobile-assisted language learning from the student perspective: Encouraging effective language learning strategies outside of the classroom. In B. R. Facer, & M. Abdous (Eds.), Academic podcasting and mobile assisted language learning: Applications and outcomes (pp. 93-110). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
Bester, G., & Brand, L. (2013). The effect of technology on learner attention and achievement in the classroom. South African Journal of Education,33(2), 1-15.
BezircilioÄŸlu, S. (2016). Mobile assisted language learning. Journal of Educational and Instructional Studies in the World, 6(1), 1-4.
Bllaca, N. (2016). Smartphone use in English Language Learning. International Conference on Linguistics, Literature and Culture. Retrieved from https://docplayer.net/63599977-Smartphone-use-in-english-language-learning.html
Bomar, L. (2006). I-pods as reading tools. Retrieved from http://www.naesp.org/resources/2/Principal/2006 /M-Jp52.pdf
Burston, J. (2011). Exploiting the pedagogical potential of MALL. Retrieved from http://www.moblang.mobi/conference/files/PedagogicalAspectsOfMobileLearning_MobLang _JackBurston.pdf
Chang, C. K., & Hsu, C.K. (2011). A mobile-assisted synchronously collaborative translation-annotation system for English as a foreign language (EFL) reading comprehension. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 24(2), 155-180.
Chen, N. S., Hsieh, S. W & Kinshuk. (2008). Effects of short-term memory and content representation type on mobile language learning. Language Learning and Technology, 12(3), 93–113.
Chen, C.M., & Chung, C.J. (2008). Personalized mobile English vocabulary learning system based on item response theory and learning memory cycle. Computers & Education, 51(2), 624-645.
Cheng, S. C., Hwang, W. Y., Wu, S. Y., Shadiev, R., & Xie, C. H. (2010). A mobile device and online system with contextual familiarity and its effects on English learning on Campus. Educational Technology and Society, 13(3), 93-109.
Chhikara. M. (2015). Use of tablets and smart Phones towards learning English as a foreign language. PARIPEX - Indian Journal of Research, 4(7), 16-17.
Chinnery, G.M. (2006). Emerging technologies: Going to the MALL: Mobile assisted language learning. Language Learning & Technology, 10(1), 9-16.
Chiu, Y, C., Guo, Y., Shih, J., Chen, X., Cheng, P., & Chung, J. (2015). Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: Impacts of smartphones on college students’ life and English learning experiences. National Formosa University. Retrieved from http://ir.nfu.edu.tw/bitstream/392390000/5767/1/5.pdf
Cho, S. (2009). Smartphones used for foreign language learning. Multimedia-Assisted Language Learning, 12(3), 211-228.
Choon-Keong, T., Ing, N.S., & Kean-Wah, L. (2013). Readiness for mobile learning at a public university in East Malaysia. In Embi, M.A. & Nordin, N.M. (Eds.), Mobile Learning: Malaysian Initiatives & Research Findings (pp. 27-38). Bangi: Centre for Academic Advancement.
Crompton, H. (2013). A historical overview of m-learning: Toward learner-centered education. In Berge ZL and Muilenburg LY (eds.), Handbook of Mobile Learning. New York, NY: Routledge, pp. 3‒ 14.
Dang, T.H. (2013). Towards the use of mobile phones for learning English as a foreign language: Hesitation or welcome. Language in India, 13(10), 461-472.
Dashti, F., & Aldashti, A. (2015). EFL college students’ attitudes towards mobile learning, International Education Studies, 8(8), 13-20.
Darmi, R., & Albion, P. (2014). A review of integrating mobile phones for language learning. Paper presented at the 10th International Conference Mobile Learning. Madrid, Spain.
Ducate, L., & Lomicka, L. (2009). Podcasting: An effective tool for honing language students’ pronunciation? Language Learning & Technology, 13(3), 66-86.
Edirisingha, P., Rizzi, C., Nie, M., & Rothwell, L. (2007). Podcasting to provide teaching and learning support for an undergraduate module on English language and communication. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 8(3), 87-107.
Elder, A.D. (2013). College students' cell phone use, beliefs, and effects on their Learning. College Student Journal, 47(4), 585-592.
El Hariry, N. A. (2015). Mobile phones as useful language learning tools. European Scientific Journal, 11(16), 298-317.
Fallahkhair, S., Pemberton, L., & Griffiths, R. (2007). Development of a cross-platform ubiquitous language learning service via mobile phone and interactive television. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 23(4), 312-325.
Fernandez, S. (2018). University student’s perspectives on using cell phones in classrooms - Are they dialing up disaster? The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 17(1), 246- 258.
Froese, A. D., Carpenter, C. N., Inman, D. A., Schooley, J. R., Barnes, R. B., Brecht, P. W., & Chacon, J. D. (2012). Effects of classroom cell phone use on expected and actual learning. College Student Journal, 46(2), 323- 332.
Fujimoto, C. (2012). Perceptions of mobile language learning in Australia: How ready are learners to study on the move? The JALT CALL Journal, 8(3), 165-195.
Gholami, J., & Azarmi, G. (2012). An introduction to mobile assisted language learning. International Journal of Management, IT and Engineering (IJMIE), 2(8), 1-9.
Hall, B. (2008). Five trends in the LMS market. Chief Learning Officer, 7(1), 16.
Hismanoglu, M., Ersan,Y., & Colak, (2015). A study on English preparatory program students’ use and acceptance of mobile phones. International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, 6(3), 63-76.
Hsu, C. K., Hwang, G. J., Chang, Y. T., & Chang, C. K. (2013). Effects of video caption modes on English listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition using handheld devices. Educational Technology & Society, 16(1), 403- 414.
Hsu, L. (2012). English as a foreign language learners’ perception of mobile assisted language learning: A cross-national study. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(3), 197-213.
Huang, Y.M., Huang, Y.M., Huang, S.H., Lin, Y.T. (2012). A ubiquitous English vocabulary learning system: Evidence of active/passive attitudes vs. usefulness/ease-of-use. Computers and Education, 58(1), 273-282.
Hulstijn, J.H. (2001). Intentional and incidental second language vocabulary learning: a reappraisal of elaboration, rehearsal and automaticity. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Cognition and Second Language Instruction (pp. 258–286). UK: Cambridge University Press.
Jumoke. S., Oloruntoba, S.A., & Blessing, O. (2015). Analysis of mobile phone impact on students’ academic performance in tertiary institution. International journal of emerging technology and advanced engineering, 5(1), 361-367.
Kennedy, C., & Levy, M. (2008). L’italiano al telefonino: Using SMS to support beginners’ language learning. ReCALL, 20(3), 321-327.
Kim, J., Ilon, L., & Altmann, J. (2013). Adapting smartphones as learning technology in a Korean university. Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, 17(1), 5‒16.
Kristoffersen, S., & Ljungberg, F. (1998). Representing modalities in mobile computing, In Proceedings of Interactive applications of mobile computing. Fraunhofer: Institute for Computer Graphics, Germany.
Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Traxler, J. (2005). Mobile learning: A handbook for educators and trainers. London: Routledge.
Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Shield, L. (2008). An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction. ReCALL, 20(3), 271-289.
Kukulska-Hulme, A. (2009). Will mobile learning change language learning? ReCALL, 21(2), 157–165.
Kurtz, L. M. (2012). Learning from twenty-first century second language learners: A case study in smartphone use of language learners. (Master's thesis, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA).
Lehner, F., & Nosekabel, H. (2002). The role of mobile devices in e learning--first experience with an e-learning environment. Proceedings. Proceedings IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education. 103-106.
Levy, M., & Kennedy, C. (2005). Learning Italian via mobile SMS. In A. Kukulska-Hulme & J. Traxler (Eds.), Mobile Learning: A Handbook for Educators and Trainer (pp. 76–83). London, UK: Taylor and Francis.
Liang, H., Liu, M., Tsai, Y., & Lin, Y. (2014). Assessing the application of mobile phones in English language learning among Taiwanese university students via GM. IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration. Tokyo, Japan. Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7028093/metrics#metrics
Liu, J., Yu, S., & Ran, M. (2008). Research on the communicative mobile English learning model. Fifth IEEE International Conference on Wireless, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Technology in Education, 60-64.
Mcconatha, D., Praul, M., & Lynch, M. (2008). Mobile Learning in higher education: An empirical assessment of a new educational tool. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 7(3), 15-21.
Mayisela, T. (2013). The potential use of mobile technology: Enhancing accessibility and communication in a blended learning course. South African Journal of Education, 33(1),1-18.
Molnar, A., & Frias-Martinez, V. (2011). EducaMovil: Mobile educational games made easy. In T. Bastiaens, & M. Ebner (Eds.), EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology, Jun 27, 2011 in Lisbon, Portugal (pp. 3684-3689). AAC.
Morita, M. (2003). Mobile-based Learning (MBL) in Japan. Proceedings of the First Conference on Creating, Connecting and Collaborating through Computing. Retrieved from http://csdl_.computer.org/comp/proceedings/c5/2003/1975/00/19750128.pdf.
Motiwalla, L.F. (2007). Mobile learning: A framework and evaluation. Computer & Education, 49(3), 581-596.
Muhammed, A.A. (2014). The impact of mobiles on language learning on the part of English Foreign Language (EFL) university students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 136, 104-108.
Nalliveettil, G.M., & Alenazi, T.H. (2016). The Impact of mobile phones on English language learning: Perceptions of EFL undergraduates. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 7(2), 264-272.
Oberg, A., & Daniels, P. (2011). Analysis of the effect a student-centred mobile learning instructional method has on language acquisition. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(1), 177-196.
O’Malley, C., Vavoula, G., Glew, J., Taylor, J., Sharples, M., Lefrere, P., Lonsdale, P., Naismith, L., Waycott, J. (2005). Guidelines for learning/teaching/tutoring in a mobile environment. Retrieved from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00696244/document
Omari, O., Bourekkadi,S., Slimani, K., Khoulji, S., & Kerkeb, M. L. (2017). Investigating undergraduate students’ attitudes towards English mobile learning. Transactions on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, 5(4), 381-394.
Pachler, N. (2007). Mobile Learning. WLE Center. London. Elanders Hindson co. ltd
Park, Y. (2011). A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: Categorizing educational applications of mobile technologies into four types. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 12(2), 78-102.
Petersen, S. A., & Markiewicz, J. K. (2008). PALLAS: Personalised Language Learning on Mobile Devices. Fifth IEEE International Conference on Wireless, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Technology in Education. 52-59.
Rahimi, M., & Miri, S.S. (2014). The impact of mobile dictionary use on language learning. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 98, 1469-1474.
Rosell-Aguilar, A. (2007). Top of the pods: In search of a podcasting pedagogy for language learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 20(5), 471-492.
Rueckert, D., Kiser, R., & Cho, M. (2012). Oral language assessment made easy via Voice Thread! Proceedings from TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo, March 28-31, Philadelphia, PA.
Sharples, M. (2003). Disruptive devices: Mobile technology for conversational learning. International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Lifelong Learning, 12 (5/6), 504-520.
Stockwell, G. (2008). Investigating learner preparedness for and usage patterns of mobile learning. ReCALL, 20(3), 253–270.
Stockwell, G. (2010). Using mobile phones for vocabulary activities: examining the effect of the platform. Language Learning & Technology, 14(2), 95-110.
Stockwell, G. (2013). Tracking learner usage of mobile phones for language learning outside of the classroom. In P. Hubbard, M. Schulz & B. Smith (Eds), Learner-computer interaction in language education: A festschrift in honor of Robert Fischer (pp. 118-136). San Marcos, TX: CALICO.
Şad, S. N., & Göktaş, O. (2013). Preservice teachers’ perceptions about using mobile phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools. British Journal of Educational Technology, 45(4), 606-618.
Saran, M., Seferoglu, G., & Cagiltay, K. (2008). Use of mobile phones in language learning: Developing effective instructional materials. 5th International Conference on Wireless, Mobile and Ubiquitous Technologies in Education (pp. 39–43). Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE Computer Society.
Tennant, R. (2008). On the move with mobile web: Library and Mobile Technology. Library Technology Report, 44(5), 1-48.
Tindell, D. R., & Bohlander, R. W. (2012). The use and abuse of cell phones and text messaging in the classroom: A survey of college students. College Teaching, 60(1), 1-9.
Thornton, P., & Houser, C. (2005). Using mobile phones in English education in Japan. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21(3), 217-228.
Umam, C., Aini, N., & Rahayu, W.S. (2019). Indonesian EFL Learners’ Perception on the Internet Use in Language Learning. ELITE JOURNAL: Journal of English Linguistics, Literature, and Education, 2(1), 55-65.
Vyas, N., &. Nirban, V. (2014). Students’ Perception on the Effectiveness of Mobile Learning in an Institutional Context. International Association of Research in Foreign Language Education and Applied Linguistics ELT Research Journal. 3(1), 26-36.
Wu, Q. (2014). Learning ESL vocabulary with smartphones. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 143, 302-307. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.409.
Yaman, I., Senel, M., & Yesilel, D. (2015). Exploring the extent to which ELT students utilise smartphones for language learning purposes. South African Journal of Education, 35(4), 1-9.
Zou, B., & Li, J. (2015). Exploring mobile apps for English language teaching and learning. In F. Helm, L. Bradley, M. Guarda, & S. Thouësny (Eds), Critical CALL – Proceedings of the 2015 EUROCALL Conference, Padova, Italy (pp. 564-568). Dublin: Research-publishing.net.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2019 JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
