Ezat Amirbakzadeh Kalati

MA TESOL 2013
eak23@bath.ac.uk
sweety.5864@gmail.com

United Kingdom
UNIVERSITY OF BATH
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Bio statement:

1. BA TEFL, ranked 1st. Azad University of Mashhad, Foreign Language Department. IRAN

2. MA TESOL, University of Bath, Department of Education. United Kingdom (The rank has not stated yet.)

Mobile Assisted Language Learning

Abstract
Technology is an important part of the most teachers and students’ lives today. Furthermore,
technology has changed teaching and learning languages. Web Assisted Language Learning
(WALL), Technology-enhanced Language Learning (TELL), Computer Assisted Language
Learning (CALL) and Mobile Assisted Language Learning ( MALL) play crucial roles in this
field. The focus of this study is on MALL. Mobile devices such as tablet computers, mobile
Phones, MP3 and MP4 players and personal digital assistant that we can carry in our pockets can
connect us to a variety of information sources whenever and wherever we go. There is
considerable interest in employing these devices in the teaching and learning context. This paper
explores MALL and the influence of mobile devices on both learning English and English
vocabulary. The study investigates to what extent Iranian undergraduate students agree to use
mobile devices to learn English in general and English vocabulary in particular. In addition, it
tries to find whether they can use mobile devices to facilitate and support their English language
acquisition. To achieve the result, 36 male and female undergraduate students were chosen at
random and mixed method research was conducted. In this case study design, qualitative and
quantitative data were collected. Having analysed the data, the results showed 72% of the
students preferred to learn English through using mobile devices. Moreover, 64% of the students
wanted to use vocabulary learning software for mobile devices to add to their word bank. The
results also indicated that the students were interested in using modern technology inside and
outside of the classroom and they realized the importance of English language effects on their
future study, jobs and lives. Consequently, the results showed students’ positive opinion towards
MALL.

Keywords: Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL); mobile devices; learning English;
English vocabulary.

Word Count:299
(Oral Presentation)
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