Fitting learning into life

Language students’ perspectives on benefits of using mobile apps

Abstract

For university students, the availability, convenience and low cost of mobile applications (apps) present new opportunities to fit learning into their busy lives outside class. Studies of teacher-led mobile learning in universities abound while few studies explore students’ own use of mobile apps and their perspectives on how these apps can benefit their learning. As we consider learning for the future, it is crucial to partner with students to build a picture of emergent technology practices beyond our classrooms and institutions. However, discipline-specific studies are required to gain an understanding of the ways apps are used to acquire specific disciplinary knowledge and skills. This paper reports on how 134 language learners used mobile apps to profit from their available learning time outside of class. It provides insights into student perspectives on the benefits of using mobile apps for foreign language learning.