Language Learners and Mobile Technology

Abstract

In order to understand the influence of mobile social media vs. formal learning platforms on creating effective student-student and teacher-student communication channels and linguistic outputs, this study was conducted. Using a qualitative approach, a number of 30 English language university teachers were interviewed. Evidence from their mobile and non-mobile interaction with their students was analyzed to support data from the interviews. The study evaluates the potential of both formal and informal communication mediums to maintain student-centered language learning experience. The study concludes that teachers still need to be aware of the potential of mobile technology and social media for language learning, and that there was a tendency among some teachers to implement formal technology tools for their teaching.