Exploring the Potentials of Using Smartphones in Enhancing Learning English at the University
Abstract
This article investigates the pedagogical benefits of smartphones as a form of mobile learning in English language classes. This study which stems from the experience of the author as a teacher of English at the university seeks two main aims: shedding light on learners’ perceptions and awareness of the pedagogical usages of smartphones and exploring learners’ usages of cellphones inside and outside the classroom settings. To rigorously explore the afore-mentioned aims, a survey questionnaire had been administered to 18 Master students of English Didactics and Applied Languages, Mostaganem University). The analysis of the collected data revealed that the use of smartphones for pedagogical purposes is obstructed by various hindrances that emanate from learners’ unawareness of their academic usages and teachers’ negative attitudes towards them.
References
Ababneh, S. (2017).Using Mobile Phones in Learning English: The Case of Jordan. Journal of Education and Human Development, 6(4), 120-128.
Batista, S. C. F. (2011). M-Learn Mat: Pedagogical Model for M-Learning Activities in Mathematics. (Doctoral thesis in Informatics in Education), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Bonk, C. J. & Graham, C. R. (2006). Handbook of blended learning: global perspectives, local designs. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer Publishing.
Cavus, N. & Uzunboylu, H. (2009). Improving critical thinking skills in mobile learning. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 1(1), 434-438.
Cavus, N. & Ibrahim, D. (2009). M-learning: an experiment in using SMS to support learning new English language words. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(1), 78-91.
Chidi, G. A. (2002). AT&T wireless launches mobile web service in US. Wireless IT World. Retrieved June 08, 2022, from http://www.itworld.com/020416attwireless>
Chinnery, G. M. (2006). Going to the MALL: Mobile assisted language learning. Language Learning &Technology, 10(1), 9-16.
Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www. dictionary.com/ browse / cellphone.
Dictioanry.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.Com/browse smartphone.
Gikas, J. & Grant, M. (2013). Mobile computing devices in higher education: Student perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media. The Internet and Higher Education 19, 18–26.
Gil, A.C. (2008). How to design research projects. São Paulo: Atlas.
Lan, Y. F., & Sie, Y. S. (2010). Using RSS to support mobile learning based on media richness theory. Computers & Education, 55(2), 723- 732.
Laurillard, D. & Pachler, N. (2007) Pedagogical forms of mobile learning: framing research questions, In N. Pachler (Ed.), Mobile learning: towards a research agenda (pp. 33-54) London: WLE Centre, IOE.
Lave, J. & E. Wenger (1990). Situated learning, legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge University Press.
Levy, M., & Kennedy, C. (2005). Learning Italian via mobile SMS. In Kukulska-Hulme, A. & J. Traxler (Eds.), Mobile learning: A handbook for educators and trainers (pp. 76-83). London: Taylor and Francis.
Machado, J.L.A. (2012). Cell phone at school: what to do? (October 03, 2013). Retrieved from http://cmais.com.br/educacao/celular-na-escola-o-que.
Mengorio, T.M, & Dumlao, R. (2019).The Effect of Integrating Mobile Application in Language Learning: An Experimental Study. Journal of English Teaching, 5 (1), 50-62.
Oxford dictionary. Retrieved from https://www. Oxford learner’s dictionaries .com /definition/English/mobile-learning? q=mobile learning.
Naz, S., Rasheed, M., & Rasheed, T. (2019, March 7-9). The Role of Smartphones in Learning English: A Study of Learners’ Perspectives. Paper presented at International Conference in Humanities, London, UK.
Ndafenongo, G. (2011). An investigation into how cell phones can be used in the teaching of Mathematics using Vitalmaths video clips: a case study of 2 schools in Grahamstown, South Africa. Thesis, degree of Master of Education, Rhodes University (Faculty of Education), Grahams town, South Africa.
Quinn, C. (2000, Fall). M Learning: mobile, wireless, In-Your-Pocket Learning. Line Zine. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from
Seabra, C. (2013, October 1st). The cell phone in the classroom. Retrieved from http://cseabra. wordpress.com/2013/03/03/o-cellular-na-sala-de-aula/.
Sharples, M., Arnedillo-Sanchez, I., Milrad, M., & Vavoula., G. (2009). Mobile Learning Small devices, big issues, In S. Ludvigsen, N. Balacheff, T. de Jong, A. Lazonder, and S. Barnes (eds.) Technology-enhanced learning: Principles and products, Dordrecht: Springer.
Ta’amneh, M. (2021).The Use of Smartphones in Learning English Language Skills: A Study of University Students’ Perspectives. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, IJALEL 10(1), 1-8.
Tangney, B., et al. (2010, October). MobiMaths: An approach to utilising smartphones in teaching mathematics. Proceedings of the World Conference on Mobile and Contextual Learning (mLearn2010), Valletta, Malta, 9, 9-16.
Thornton, P., & Houser, C. (2005). Using mobile phones in English education in Japan. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21, 217-228.
UNESCO (2012). Turning on Mobile Learning in Latin America: Illustrative Initiatives and Policy Implications. [Working Paper Series on Mobile Learning]. Paris, France. Retrieved October 05, 2013, from http://unesdoc.unesco .org/images/0021/002160 /216080e.pdf.
UNESCO (2013). Policy guidelines for mobile learning [Guidelines]. Paris, France. Retrieved October 04, 2013, from http://unesdoc. Unesco.org/images /0021/ 002196/219641e.pdf.
Uzunboylu, H., Cavus, N. & Ercag, E. (2009). Using mobile learning to increase environmental awareness. Computers & Education, 52(2), 381-389.
Virvou, M., & Alepis, E. (2005). Mobile educational features in authoring tools for personalized tutoring. Computers & Education, 44, 53-68.
Yi, C. C., Liao, W. P., Huang, C. F. & Hwang, I. H. (2009). Acceptance of mobile learning: a respecification and validation of information system success. In Proceedings of World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 41 2070-37-40.
- View 389 times Download 389 times pdf
Copyright (c) 2022 JET (Journal of English Teaching)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyrights for articles published in JET are retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. The journal/publisher is not responsible for subsequent uses of the work. It is the author's responsibility to bring an infringement action if so desired by the author.