Communities of language learners: Mobility, usability and learning

Abstract

Mobile Assisted Language Learning consists of using the mobile devices with the purpose of supporting the acquisition of languages. We aim to investigate how different people use mobile applications (apps) on their own initiative and out of a formal educational to improve language skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing). In this exploratory work, we present how a particular user interacts with 18 different interlocutors, both English native and non-native English speakers in three months using the app Tandem to improve him/her English proficiency. We analyzed these interactions to find (i) usability issues which may interfere on the productive and satisfactory use of the app and (ii) potential learning situations, discussing about the feasibility and the efficiency of mobile learning in the language acquisition. We found 4 types of interventions that promoted some kind of learning and some difficulties related to the app’s usability.