Development of INSVAGRAM: An English Subject-Verb Agreement Mobile Learning Application

Abstract

English language proficiency of students in the Philippines is a point of concern by many institutions particularly as it was highlighted when the results of the first participation of the country in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) was released. The use of technology-aided educational applications dedicated to language learning, particularly those that can be accessed through mobile devices, is heavily studied internationally. However, in the Philippines, there is a limited number of developed mobile-supported applications that assist acquisition and learning of language, specifically English. Thus, the study aims were to develop a mobile learning application intended to assist students in learning a least mastered topic in English. The study utilized mixed-method descriptive research design. For the quantitative part, it employed a content-validated questionnaire to survey 132 fifth grade students, while for the qualitative part; it interviewed five English language teachers in the Philippines. A mobile learning application intended for smartphones in an Android OS was developed with focus on subject-verb agreement (SVA) as identified topic which was divided into 10 sub-topics. The application comprises two main parts: The Learn and Play Mode. Additionally, the application was also able to integrate an animated character named Alvin to simulate interaction. Alvin interacts with the user by narrating lessons, giving remarks, providing basic corrective feedback in the form of text, and expressing feelings based on the user’s inputs when doing exercises. The survey from students aged 10 to 12 years old showed that they have very often access to technological devices (i.e., desktop, laptops, tablet, smartphone) (M = 4.33) and that their technology aptitude in using them is high (M = 3.45). Furthermore, results also showed that students mostly prefer smartphones for their learning as it is their most available device at home. It is recommended to subject the developed mobile application to a user acceptance and usability testing in different educational contexts. Additionally, it is suggested to explore newer technologies like artificial intelligence to make the application intelligent and more responsive to students’ needs and inputs. Future studies may also include addition of new topics as well as developing similar applications that are localized and culturally-aware.

Towards the Development of a Mobile Application in Movement Competency Training Grounded on the User-Centered Design Model: The Case of a State University in the Philippines

“…Most of them mentioned that they have used smartphones for their learning (n = 100, 83%), and it is their most preferred device for learning (n = 87, 72%). Since most of them owned smartphones as compared to other devices, this finding is consistent with that of Miranda et al [23] and GMA News Online [24]. When the respondents were asked about their preference on using their smartphones for a mobile learning application for MCT, more than half of them believed that doing such will help them, including their teachers, to further enhance the teaching and learning process (n = 66, 55%).…”

Evaluating the Practicality of Android-Based Courseware in Enhancing Electrical Circuit Proficiency among Vocational Students

“…The instrument utilized in this study is the Practicality Assessment Instrument, which has been previously developed. The Practicality Assessment Instrument is a specialized questionnaire designed to evaluate the feasibility of a specific tool, method, or intervention, based on user feedback [16], [17]. This questionnaire gathers data regarding the practicality of a given product, device, method, or intervention from users.…”

“…However, despite the mentioned advantages, a comprehensive evaluation of the practicality of Android-based courseware still needs to be conducted. Practicality refers to the extent to which a specific tool, method, or intervention can be effectively utilized or practically implemented in a real-world context according to its intended function [16], [17]. In this study, practicality pertains to the degree to which the Android-based courseware can be efficiently used by vocational students in electrical circuit courses.…”

Revolution in Engineering Education through Android-Based Learning Media for Mobile Learning: Practicality of Mobile Learning Media to Improve Electrical Measuring Skills in the Industrial Age 4.0

“…The rapid development of information technology includes the widespread use of Android smartphones [31]. In Indonesia, a significant percentage of internet users, specifically 98% of them, are students, and most of the internet access, around 89%, is done through smartphone applications.…”