Apps and EFL: A case study on the use of smartphone apps to learn English by four Japanese university students

Abstract

This study explores, describes and analyzes the utilization of smartphone apps by four Japanese university students to support learning English as a Foreign Language (efl). Findings indicate that intermediate language learners use apps to access content and communicate on sns and are not keen on studying discrete language parts. Participants believe that using apps helped them with their four language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing), grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Use of apps (location, frequency and duration) seems to be determined by opportunity, personal preference and desire to use.