Learner readiness for smartphone-mediated language learning

Smartphones represent an opportunity for ‘anywhere, anytime’ learning, which is particularly relevant during forced online learning. Educators are keen to exploit the learning affordances of smartphones and there is a wealth of research into formal MALL. However, the extent to which learners have the technical or attitudinal readiness to embrace their smartphones as language-learning devices, and for self-directed learning in particular, is a less-explored theme in MALL research. This presentation will report on data collected as part of a recently completed PhD study at the University of Limerick in Ireland which discovered that participant attitudes to and use of smartphones for language learning were less positive than teachers may hope. The presentation will first describe the learners’ perceptions of what language learning is, and secondly, the factors which affect learners’ willingness to use their smartphone for language-learning purposes, and finally, make suggestions as to how these behaviours and attitudes can be changed.