The use of iPad and other handheld devices in classrooms is spreading. Their use can empower learners and expose them to a plethora of resources. Yet, when it comes to learning a foreign language, reasonably little has been done to empirically ascertain the influence of iPad apps on facilitating language learning as well as engaging language learners. Thus, this study endeavored to illumine the extent to which a selection of iPad applications, used as a pedagogical tool, augment young learners’ engagement and learning in English as a foreign language (EFL) environments. The participants were a group of 20 middle school girls in Saudi Arabia. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach by utilizing a self-reported Likert-type scale questionnaire divided into three constructs, namely, helpfulness, ease of use, and engagement to measure learners’ perception after the intervention of the iPad apps. In addition, observational data were gathered to record students’ primary actions toward the apps. Ultimately, based on the statistical evidence, learners exhibited highly positive attitudes toward the use of the apps in their EFL classes (reading and vocabulary) as they found the apps bolstering their level of engagement and learning compared to traditional teaching paradigms. It was also found that the apps helped foster more active learning in the classroom. This investigation hopes to assist EFL/English as a second language (ESL) practitioners, particularly in the growing domain of iPads in education.
The iPad tablets have been introduced into various educational sectors to facilitate learning and engage students in the classroom. However, little is known about the empirical evidence with regard to iPad usage in enhancing language achievement. This study set out to examine the effects of integrating iPad tablets as an instructional tool into the second language (L2) curricula to enhance young learner's academic achievement in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. It further endeavored to uncover the limitations that affect the utilization of the iPad in the classroom. To this end, forty Arabic first language (L1) young EFL learners enrolled in a middle school, were assigned as either an experimental group where they were exposed to study via iPad or a control group where they were taught in a traditional printed text across five weeks period. Language achievements were assessed through reading and vocabulary tests which were administered before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. To gauge the students' engagements during the intended task, their behaviors were assessed in both scenarios. Findings from quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the students who were exposed to iPad were found much engaged and significantly outscored their counterparts in language achievements in the post-tests. Furthermore, technical problems were found to be predominant impediments to the integration of the iPad usage followed by unfamiliarity with the application, and student distraction. These findings provide EFL teachers and policy makers with insight on how to better integrate the iPad into the EFL environment. Further pedagogical recommendations and research directions are also highlighted at the end of the article.
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