Mobile Phone App Insights: L-Listen, I-Interact, R-Reflect, A-Act (LIRA)

Abstract

The use of technology in the university implies that the future of classroom, including learning activities, will inevitably incorporate mobile phones. Indeed, mobile phones have become increasingly integrated into people’s lives. Thus, in line with the blended learning method for the ESL learners in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), educators should integrate the use of mobile phones in the learners’ learning process. However, the English Department of the university has not produced any mobile application (app) yet to consolidate the online task based listening activities for the ESL learners. At present, learners are required to get a list of a series of short stories on i-Learn; a UiTM learners’ online learning portal. This self-learning activity, L-Listen, I-Interact, R-Reflect, A-Act (LIRA), has to be carried out outside classroom hours. Hence, a simpler, more reliable, and faster way to assess the listening materials is needed for the ESL learners to enhance their listening skills. Thus, a mobile app is intended to be developed for ESL learners to aid them in their language learning activities. A survey was then con- ducted to gauge their perceptions on the need of a mobile app in enhancing their listening skills. This paper contains the preliminary findings on learners’ insights of utilising mobile app in learning. The discussion includes the opportunities and limitations of the use of a mobile app in language learning. This study aids edu- cators’ understanding of learners’ needs and preferences in learning via mobile phones. Eventually, it will open pathways to innovations in mobile apps for lan- guage learning which align well with the learner-centered approach.