Using ICTs and Mobile Devices to Assist Adult English-Language Learning

Author(s):  
Hui-Yin Hsu ◽  
Shiang-Kwei Wang

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and mobile devices to assist language acquisition has expanded rapidly during the past decade given the prevalence of broadband networks and mobile phones. Many studies have examined how these technologies can facilitate English-language learning. The chapter will discuss the current research on using ICTs to create e-portfolios to support language learning, the role of mobile devices in the language-learning process, the impact of using ICTs on English-language learners' (ELLs) learning other than language acquisition (e.g., increasing their sense of a learning community), and the design procedure of such a learning environment. Future research in this area also will be discussed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Md. Mahadhi Hasan ◽  
Md. Abdullah Al Younus ◽  
Faridah Ibrahim ◽  
Mainul Islam ◽  
Md. Moinul Islam

Different new media tools like Facebook, blogs, wikis, Google docs and YouTube are perceived to have effects on English language (L2) learner motivation at the tertiary level in Bangladesh. However, the effects of new media usage on L2 learner motivation are not defined yet in the context. This study investigates the effects of new media usage on L2 learner motivation at the tertiary level. A qualitative research design is used throughout the study to collect and analyze the data. Data were collected through six Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 30 tertiary level English language learners from eight universities located in Bangladesh. The findings of the study show that new media usage in English language learning motivates learners immensely, transforms dependent and passive learners into active and autonomous learners, makes them participatory, engaging and enthusiastic in learning, and works as a supplement to the classroom teachings. However, culturally inappropriate and wrong interpretation of some language contents in new media tools demotivates learners. Therefore, the usage of new media tools in enhancing learner motivation needs to be keenly monitored to reduce adverse effects. The study recommends future research to be conducted to assess the negative washback of new media usage affecting L2 learners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 21-37
Author(s):  
Judith Anthony

This article provides an overview and critical analysis of The English Language Learning Progressions (ELLP) (Ministry of Education, 2008). Identifying main themes through critical policy analysis, this review seeks to place ELLP in context through a comparison with The English Language Learning Framework: Draft (Ministry of Education, 2005) and English Language Learning Progressions (ELLP ) Pathway Years 1–8 (Ministry of Education, 2020a). Within this review, the structure of ELLP is explored along with key ideas and claims. It is argued that there are both challenges and opportunities in ELLP. Finally, the key issues are summarised and suggestions are made for future research.


Author(s):  
Fazeena Jamaldeen ◽  
Priyantha Hewagamage ◽  
Yamaya Ekanayaka

<p class="0abstract">Mobile devices have proven to be an appropriate tool which expands the horizons of learning beyond the classroom through means of flexibility and portability. Throughout this study, the authors have worked with a set of design guidelines which were derived from the literature. The artifact developed considering these design guidelines has been evaluated among various user groups for better understanding of m-learning as a tool to support English Language Learning. Findings of these evaluations have been used to improve the design guidelines.  The authors also identify the effectiveness of mobile learning as a supporting medium of learning and as a primary medium of learning among different learner groups, which is another outcome of this study. </p>


Author(s):  
Christina Atika Yulina

This paper outlines a procedure for language textbook analysis from the perspective of second language acquisition (SLA) principles using a minimally modified version of Littlejohn’s three-level framework by Guilloteaux as a preliminary procedure to textbook evaluation for selection. The aim is to analyze to what extent does Indonesian ELT textbook for grade XI reflects the universal SLA principles. The universal SLA principles used as material analysis criteria in this paper were drawn from the literature selected by Guilloteaux. This analysis revealed that the Indonesian ELT textbook by the Ministry of Education and Culture reflected SLA principles closely. Although only in-use evaluation can determine the extent to which this textbook actually supports language acquisition, the evidence suggests that the textbook is potentially supportive to English language learning.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Annette Tate

<p>Online teaching for English language learners in New Zealand schools is a recent phenomenon. Increasingly complex technologies allow expanding and far reaching options in the teaching practices of English, particularly to those students in remote geographical areas, or in schools with no qualified English as a second language teacher. This qualitative research project investigated the case of one intermediate school that adopted online English language learning to meet the learning needs of their English language learners. Stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to learning were reported and examined. Data indicated research participants formed three distinct groups according to the extent of their involvement in the daily programme; their communication about English language learning and the particular online programme they were using; and their understanding of the purposes and processes of the online English language programme. These three factors influenced stakeholders’ perceptions of the value of online English language learning. The more actively stakeholders were involved, communicated about and understood the online English language learning programme, the more they were convinced of its value. These findings suggest that stakeholders who have a more peripheral involvement may benefit from increased opportunities to connect with other stakeholders in the programme. Online English language learning is likely to be enhanced if formal and informal structures are developed to allow stakeholders to develop greater involvement, opportunities for communication and knowledge of the programme.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-35
Author(s):  
Zhonggen Yu

Studies on gender differences in mobile English learning are in their initial stages. College English IV, designed by a number of professors and engineers in a university in China, serves as a mobile English learning platform. This study aims to determine gender differences in cognitive loads, attitudes, and academic achievements in English language learning assisted with this mobile English learning platform. Through a mixed research design, 79 randomly selected participants join the research, together with interviews and posts to collect qualitative data. Cognitive loads, attitudes, and academic achievements are measured through related scales to collect quantitative data. It is concluded that there are significant gender differences in cognitive loads, attitudes, and academic achievements in English language learning assisted with the mobile learning platform. Future research on gender differences in mobile English learning should also examine relationships between gender differences, learner motivation, achievement goals, and learning outcomes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-375
Author(s):  
Krystyna Droździał-Szelest ◽  
Mirosław Pawlak

This paper reviews 25 doctoral dissertations on second language acquisition (SLA), English language learning and teaching submitted in Poland in the years 2006–2010. The theses were selected for review on the basis of the recommendations of Ph.D. supervisors from leading Polish universities and they are divided into six groups: learner autonomy, individual differences, language subsystems and skills, culture, assessment and miscellaneous. The dissertations are discussed with respect to their main findings as well as their strengths and weaknesses, and the paper concludes with an overall evaluation of the research in terms of its dominant themes and methodology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (48) ◽  
pp. 337-350
Author(s):  
Anica Radosavljević Krsmanović ◽  

In line with globalization, the development of bicultural identities and the emergence of English as a world language, the notion of “World English identity” or “international posture” has emerged, defined as the concept of English language separated from its native communities and cultures. As a means of explaining how an individual tends to relate oneself to the global community rather than any particular geographical or cultural entity, international posture has been regarded as an alternative to the notion of integrativeness or an interest in learning a foreign language in order to identify with a specific language community. Previous research has demonstrated that the lack of identification with native speakers and their cultures is an important motivating factor for English language learners in various contexts. The aim of the study is to determine which factor is a more significant predictor of English language learning motivation, international posture or integrativeness, in Serbia, that is, in the context with limited contact with the target language community. For this purpose, we conducted a survey with non-English major university students. The method of data collection involved a questionnaire survey aimed at examining the students’ international posture, integrativeness and their English language learning motivation. The results indicated that both international posture and integrativeness are predictors of the participants’ motivation for English language learning, while the concept of international posture proved to be a more significant source of the learners’ motivation. The present findings provide important insights into the nature of L2 motivation of the participants, thus carrying some pedagogical implications.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 724-741
Author(s):  
Hong Shi

This study examined self-efficacy and language strategy use of college-level English Language Learners (ELLs) at a southeastern university in the United States. It analyzed the relationship between self-efficacy and strategy use. An English Language Learning Survey was used to collect data from 198 college-level ELLs. Participants had positive self-efficacy toward their English learning and the most often used strategies were compensation, social and metacognitive strategies. Self-efficacy was positively correlated with cognitive, compensation, memory, metacognitive, and social strategy. The study suggested that teachers provide scaffolding for ELLs through strategy instruction. Teachers can teach self-regulated learning strategies and focus on ELLs’ improvement and mastery of content to enhance their self-efficacy, language proficiency and learning autonomy required for their academic courses learning.


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