A Study of Learners’ Usage of a Mobile Learning Application for Learning Idioms and Collocations

Authors

  • Mahmoud Amer West Chester University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11139/cj.31.3.285-302

Keywords:

Language Learning Applications, Vocabulary Learning, Idioms and Collocations, Mobile Applications

Abstract

This study explored how four groups of language learners used a mobile software application developed by the researcher for learning idiomatic expressions and collocations. A total of 45 participants in the study used the application for a period of one week. Data for this study was collected from the application, a questionnaire, and follow-up interviews.

Findings show that participants usage of the application correlated with their average scores on the quizzes in the application. The more participants used the application, the higher they scored on the quizzes which was the most used feature of the application. Findings show that usage of the application can be predicted by a variety of factors, such as language proficiency, users’ average daily usage of their mobile devices, and motivation and learning goals.

Findings also underscore the importance of providing language learners with resources to help them learn idiomatic expressions and collocation. Participants strongly indicated that even within a short period of time, they felt they know more idioms and collocations since they started using the application. Findings also show that participants’ have strong positive attitudes toward the use of mobile technology in language learning.

Author Biography

  • Mahmoud Amer, West Chester University

    About the AuthorMahmoud Amer is a faculty member in the department of Languages and Cultures at West Chester University. Dr. Amer has developed award-winning learning applications in the field of language learning and composition, and is interested in investigating what mobile technology has to offer to the field. Dr. Amer has presented in many international, national, and regional conferences, and is a regular presenter and member of the American Association for Applied Linguistics, and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Dr. Amer is a Certified Adobe Expert.

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Published

2014-09-19

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Articles

How to Cite

Amer, M. (2014). A Study of Learners’ Usage of a Mobile Learning Application for Learning Idioms and Collocations. CALICO Journal, 31(3), 285-302. https://doi.org/10.11139/cj.31.3.285-302