Using M-Learning Technology in Teaching Foreign Languages: A Panacea during COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the prospects for the widespread use of mobile applications in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in Russia to Russian and Arab learners. The survey was conducted at the Department of Foreign Languages of the Engineering Academy of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (EA PFUR). The total research sample included 200 participants and consisted of 50 potential employers, 50 Russian and Arab PFUR linguistics students, 50 faculty members, namely, teachers of PFUR, the Institute of Foreign Languages of the Moscow State Pedagogical University, and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, as well as 50 PFUR administrative staff members. The purpose of the survey was to collect information about mobile applications (Smartphone Apps) and the introduction of mobile learning technology (m-learning) in the process of teaching EFL to students. According to the survey results, instructors actively use mobile technologies in their professional activities, and all participants in the learning process are receptive to their introduction to education. At the same time, respondents believe that technical challenges are the major obstacle to adopting mobile applications; these problems must be overcome to enable more productive use of mobile applications.