Using Mobile Phones in Learning English: The Case of Jordan

Abstract

This study investigates Jordanian EFL students' attitudes towards the use of their mobile phones in learning English as a foreign language. The aim of the study is to gain insight into the awareness of Jordanian EFL students to the importance of implementing technology appropriately (mobile phones) in learning English. Moreover, it also aims to examine the effect of their gender and academic major (English-Translation), on their attitudes towards using mobile phones in learning English as a foreign language. The study sample consisted of 101 students enrolled in English (417) a course in semantics taught at English Department, Yarmouk University, Jordan. A questionnaire was used to investigate the subjects' attitudes and use of their mobile phones. The findings reveal that the subjects' mean score of using their mobile phones was 3.85 out of 4, a result that displays a high usage of mobile phones in learning English. The subjects also have positive attitudes towards using their mobile phones in learning English. The data also show that neither the subjects' gender nor their academic major has any significant effect on their use or attitudes.

Smart Device Usage Frequency and Usage Level for Learning English

“…The results of the current study revealed that the high usage level of smart devices among students for learning English is elated to students ' awareness and familiarity with the enormous capabilities and incredible opportunities that smart devices provide for language learning. This is in aligned with the results of previous studies [5], [12], [1], [2], [31], [30], [34], [16], [3], [4]. This study recommends that education policy makers design effortless and attractive language learning applications that are appropriate to students' needs.…”

“…Mobile devices have various benefits for education. They enable learners to take part in interactive assignments such as classroom polls, they can help students complete blog posts or podcasting assignments, and they can be used as notepads or as alarms for setting study reminders [1]. Smart phones may also give teachers the ability to access more authentic materials to assist the development and delivery of lessons and give them a chance to provide students with additional resources for relevant topics.…”

Smartphone-based mobile assisted language learning application in higher vocational education in Indonesia

“…In addition, students' attitudes toward the use of mobile phones also caught researcher's attention worldwide. Ababneh (2017) gained insight into knowledge on the awareness of Jordanian EFL students. It suggested the positive attitudes towards mobile phones use in English language learning.…”

Jordanian EFL Students Use of English Color Terms in Collocations

“…This could be attributed to the fact that new generations did not prefer to read papers at all because they resort to electronic media such as e-books and magazines as well as social media. This has been supported by Ababneh (2017), who states that "mobile phones are considered today the window through which the young generation is looking for knowledge and information. "…”