Perceptions of the educational benefits of mobile devices in language teaching and learning

Abstract

This study investigates perceptions of the educational benefits of mobile devices in language teaching and learning. Within the context of Initial Teacher Education, MA students answered a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions about (a) their level of comfort with their mobile devices, (b) their own learning experiences with mobile devices and (c) their future teaching perspectives as English language teachers. The results reveal that a significant discrepancy exists between the students’ level of comfort, on the one hand, and their familiarity with the educational uses of mobile devices, on the other. Explicit training in the use of mobile devices as learning and teaching tools, with a focus on specific subject areas, is therefore needed in Initial Teacher Education programs to ensure that future teachers are capable of using mobile devices effectively.