The impact of mobile phone using (SMS) on learning English vocabulary and the students’ attitude

Subject Areas : Research in Curriculum Planning

hadi sarani ¹ , mohsen ayati ²

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Received: 2017-10-17 Accepted : 2017-10-17 Published : 2014-03-21

Keywords: English, mobile phone, Learning,

Abstract :

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mobile phone using (SMS) on English vocabulary learning of the students and their attitudes towards the benefits and disadvantages of using mobile phones in learning and teaching English. In this study, the first available samples were selected from the disciplines of law and political sciences with a number 152 students among 521 population. Then, by using Cochran Formula, 76 students were randomly selected and randomly divided into two groups of 38 experimental and control groups. After ensuring the consistency of the two groups' average age, the proficiency test was used. The students in experimental group were trained for two months by mobile phone (SMS). Meanwhile, the other group was trained with the conventional technique. The validity of measuring the rate of students’ learning was covered by using the method of Korder - Richardson (KR = 20). It was calculated equal to 86%. Interviews were used in order to investigate the benefits and disadvantages and the reasons of the students' attitudes toward the use of mobile phones in teaching and learning. For example, 32 students were targeted from the experimental group and made the semi-structured interviews. Face and content validity of the interviews were confirmed by the experts. The end result by using t-test showed that phone mobile learning method (SMS) was more effective in learning English vocabulary. The interviews’ results showed and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones in teaching and learning of the interviewees due to the small screen and the friendly usage of mobile phones every time and everywhere. On the other hand, it showed the attitude toward using the mobile phone in language learning and combining this method with other mobile devices.