Examining the Impact of Mobile Apps on Language Teaching and Learning in a Public University: An Experimental Study

Abstract

This research article investigates the effects of mobile apps on language teaching and learning in a public university setting. The study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness and practicality of a Mobile Aided Language Learning Portal (MALLP) for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to English Language Learners (ELLs). A total of 186 participants from a pre-intermediate General English course at a university in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were selected using cluster sampling. The study employed a mixed-method design, including needs assessment, pre-examinations, a tryout experiment, post-examinations, and interviews. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of participants (65 percent) had a strong interest in using mobile apps for language learning. The experimental group, which utilized the MALLP, demonstrated a noticeable improvement in language proficiency compared to the control group. The engagement and usage patterns of the experimental group revealed a high level of engagement, with 70 percent regularly using the MALLP. Interviews with the experimental group highlighted their positive perceptions of the MALLP, including its user-friendliness, engaging features, availability of resources, and improvements in language skills and confidence. The post-test results showed that the experimental group achieved higher scores (passing rate of 97.8 percent) compared to the control group (passing rate of 36.6 percent). The experimental group's mean post-test score (33.76 points) was significantly higher than the control group's mean post-test score (28.52 points). These findings suggest that integrating mobile apps, such as the MALLP, in language teaching can lead to improved language learning outcomes and increased student motivation. Further research in public university settings is needed to gain a more precise understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of mobile app-based language learning.