Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Applications: Features and Characteristics from Users’ Perspectives

Abstract

This study investigates the features of currently used mobile-based applications in language learning as perceived by 112 adult learners from different backgrounds in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A quantitative approach is used, with a cross-sectional survey and open-ended questions. The results show the top useful and useless features of the applications available in the market for language learning. In addition, they show the most and the least common features as well as the missing features that learners would most like to have in language learning applications. It finds that most mobile-based applications seem to be more focused on technical and technological features at the expense of social, cultural, and individual features. Pedagogical implications for promoting self-access language learning software are also discussed.

Keywords

• self-access language learning
• mobile learning
• mobile-assisted language learning
• language learning applications
• self-directed learning