ERIC Number: EJ1108023
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1832-4215
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Implementing Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in an EFL Context: Iranian EFL Teachers' Perspectives on Challenges and Affordances
Dashtestani, Reza
JALT CALL Journal, v9 n2 p149-168 2013
The implementation of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has provided tremendous opportunities for language teachers to promote their computer literacy and adopt a learner-centered approach to teaching. Accordingly, with the rising advent of language learning technologies, language teachers would occupy a fundamental role in preparing and encouraging students to use various technologies for language learning purposes. In particular, the purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes of Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers toward the implementation of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). The survey target participants were 168 EFL teachers who worked in a number of language teaching institutions in Iran. In-depth interviews with 55 EFL teachers were conducted as well. The findings from the survey and interview studies indicated moderately positive attitudes of the participants toward the use of mobile phones for language learning and teaching. The findings suggest that the presence of a couple of perceived challenges might be the reason for the nonuse of mobile phones for EFL learning and teaching in Iran. The teachers reported that they do not use any kind of MALL activities or software programs in their EFL courses. Results demonstrated that the EFL teachers did not have the required skills to use/develop Mall activities. The paper proposes recommendations and suggestions on how to implement MALL and remove potential barriers to MALL implementation in EFL contexts.
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Instruction, Second Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Language Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Telecommunications, Handheld Devices, Teacher Surveys, Questionnaires, Semi Structured Interviews, Mixed Methods Research, College Faculty, Likert Scales
JALT CALL SIG. 1-6-1 Nishiwaseda Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan. e-mail: journal!jaltcall.org; Web site: http://journal.jaltcall.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iran
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A