Proceedings of The International Conference on Research in Humanities
Year: 2019
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/icrh.2019.03.80
The Role of Smartphones in Learning English:A Study of Learners’ Perspectives
Shahida Naz, Memona Rasheed, Tahir Rasheed
ABSTRACT:
Researchers and practitioners’ interest has shifted from Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) to Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) due to the rapid development in the field of digital literacy. Increased availability of educational application (Apps) and internet connectivity on Smartphones gave birth to borderless and flipped learning. Smartphones provide makes learning possible anywhere,anytime for the digital natives of today. The current study investigates students’ perspective regarding the role of Smartphones in English language learning. This study was descriptive in nature and a mixed method approach is used for data collection. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires for students. The questionnaires were distributed to a sample consisting of 480 students of BS and MA English final year from 6 Universities in Punjab, Pakistan. Sample was selected through convenient cluster sampling technique. Data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) by applying frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, independent sample t-test and One Way ANOVA. The results of the study indicated the potential of MALL as a promising approach to learning English. Students were found willing and motivated to adapt their Smartphones for learning English. On the basis of findings researcher concluded that Smartphone plays a positive role in helping students learn English. Majority of the students showed a positive attitude towards the role of Smartphone in English language learning. This study is significant for ESL learners as it offers innovative way of teaching but a sound pedagogical infrastructure and training is needed. It was recommended that must be engaged as an effective learning tool in ESL classrooms for learning English. Further, experimental research can be done to analyze the effectiveness of smartphone for learning English.
Keywords: Smartphone for Learning, Text messaging, Mobile learning, Digital literacy, 21st century,learning.