Murugan, A., Teoh Boon Sai, G., & Liau Wei Lin, A. (2017). Technological readiness of UiTM students in using mobile phones in the English language classroom. Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, 5(2), 34-50. 

Abstract:

“Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) by using devices such as mobile phones is an ideal learning platform for learners to acquire language and share knowledge beyond the confines of a fixed location. By utilizing the mobile applications available via smartphone, learners can engage in collaborative networks and find information in a variety of diverse environments. This article shares the findings of a research at Mara University of Technology (UiTM) in Malaysia to determine the technological readiness of the students by measuring their digital skills using the Digital Competence Framework (EU). Some 50 students from the English language proficiency course were purposively sampled because they have been exposed to MALL by their lecturer. Their responses were collected through an online questionnaire. The findings showed that all 50 of the students owned a smartphone. While 82.6% of the students did not attend any training on how to use the smartphones, 80.4% of them have their own storing strategies and nearly 90% of them reported having technological skills in operating their smartphone such as accessing applications, ability to record, share and produce technological resources. The findings suggest that to ensure successful MALL, educators need to be aware of the background and technological skills of learners before embedding m-learning into the English Language lessons.”