THE EFL STUDENTS‟ PERCEPTIONS TOWARD THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

In recent years, mobile assisted learning provides potential possibilities for EFL
students to practice their English language skill through their mobile devices such as smartphones or tablet PC. A number of mobile applications provided by
application stores can be used by EFL students to support their English language
learning. Hence, this study aimed to find out the EFL students‘ perceptions toward the use of mobile application in English language learning. This study used case study method to reach the objective of study and semi-structured interviews to collect the data. The participants were three vocational school students in Central Java, Indonesia and they were purposively selected. The findings showed positive perceptions toward the use of mobile application in learning English. The students perceived mobile applications as beneficial tools to facilitate them in English language learning activities. They stated that a number of mobile applications that they used such as online dictionary, speaking English application, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram can help them to create more opportunities to practice English, self-study and improve their vocabularies. However, they also mentioned several challenges in using mobile applications such as technical problem and unstable internet connection thus some strategies are needed to overcome those challenges.
Keywords: students‘ perceptions; language learning; mobile applications up