MALL and EFL Learners’ Speaking: Impacts of Duolingo and WhatsApp Applications on Speaking Accuracy and Fluency

Abstract

Regarding the importance of using MALL in learning English, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Duolingo and WhatsApp applications on developing the speaking accuracy and fluency of Iranian EFL learners. To fulfill this objective, three groups of Iranian intermediate EFL learners were selected as the participants of this research. After that, all groups took the speaking pretest and then received the treatment. One group was taught ten conversations from Family and Friends Book 5 using the Duolingo application, and the other group was taught the same conversations using the WhatsApp application. The third group, considered the control group (CG), was instructed on the conversations in a traditional classroom. After teaching the conversations, a speaking posttest was administered to all groups to compare their performances after the treatment. The collected data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test. The results revealed that two experimental groups (EGs) had better performances than the CG on the speaking posttest. In addition, the outcomes showed that two EGs performed similarly on their speaking posttests. Eventually, the conclusions and the pedagogical implications of this research were explained.

Effectiveness of a Proposed Program Integrating MALL & Reciprocal Listening to Podcasts in Fostering EFL Faculty of Biotechnology Students’ HOTS, Vocabulary Acquisition and Speaking Fluency

“…Additionally, the study results go in line with the findings of Kargozari's and Zarinkamar's (2014) study and Mashhadi's, Hayati's and Jalilifar's (2016) study illustrating that podcasts fostered EFL undergraduates' vocabulary. Furthermore, the current study results are consistent with the findings of Azeez and Albajalani (2018), Sobh (2018) and Ahmed et al (2022) highlighting that MALL fostered EFL speaking fluency. Additionally, the present study results go in line with the findings of Pardo-Soto and Cisterna-Zenteno (2019) indicating the positive impact of video recording speeches using smartphone applications on fostering EFL learners' speaking fluency.…”

“…After that, they are required to repeat the same speech to listeners in three minutes and then in two minutes to foster their fluency (Hoshino, 2012;Wang, 2014;Ghasemi & Mozaheb, 2021). In their turn, Ahmed et al (2022) found that using WhatsApp as well as Duolingo smartphone applications enhanced Iranian EFL adult learners' speaking fluency.…”

“…Interviews revealed that the participants liked concept mapping as it helped them see the connection between ideas whereas some participants maintained that implementing the 4/3/2 technique for a long time might be boring or uninteresting. Ahmed et al (2022) ISSN 1110-2721 speaking fluency and accuracy. Participants were ninety male students; they were enrolled in a language learning institution, and they were randomly assigned into three groups of thirty students each.…”

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning and Its Effects on Learners’ Speaking Development

“…Ahmed et al [33] explored the impact of the Duolingo and WhatsApp programs on the development of speaking accuracy and fluency among Iranian EFL learners. For this purpose, three groups of Iranian intermediate EFL learners were chosen as the participants.…”

Factors affecting Thai EFL students’ behavioral intentions toward mobile-assisted language learning

“…In the field of English as a second/foreign language (ESL & EFL), there has been a growing focus on integrating information technology into language learning and teaching. Many researchers have increasingly focused on investigating the integration of various language apps (such as Duolingo, Hellotalk, and WhatsApp) into English learning and teaching (Ahmed et al, 2022;Sadeghi and Chalak, 2023;Sakkir and Syamsuddin, 2023). Recently, a surge in the number of studies conducted has consistently highlighted the significant efficacy of MALL as an effective tool for language learners.…”