Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Kim, Mi Song

Abstract

There has been increasing interest in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) across various age groups and educational settings due to its emerging innovations in mobile technology. These innovations have provided more learning opportunities and made language learning more accessible through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology into education is growing and enhancing the affordances and outcomes of learning. However, only a few studies have explored how AI has been incorporated into informal learning contexts using mobile devices for adult L2 English learners compared to conventional MALL approaches. Using PRISMA guidelines and affordance theory, this systematic review provides an overview of the trends in the integration of AI into mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in informal learning contexts for adult L2 English learners. This systematic review focused on keywords related to mobile learning, artificial intelligence, and English as a second language. In order to identify relevant articles meeting the research purposes, this study established specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and conducted abstract and full-text screenings. The selected articles (n=50) were analyzed using thematic analysis using affordance theory. The findings show that the new features of AI have enhanced the affordances of MALL by integrating them with existing features, such as empowering autonomous learning scaffolded by AI and fostering greater engagement through human-AI interaction. Our findings provide new insights into how AI may assist adult L2 English learners in informal contexts using MALL.

Summary for Lay Audience

Interest in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is growing due to the accessibility of mobile technology innovations that enable learning across diverse age groups and educational contexts. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is further enhancing the features and affordances of MALL. Advances in mobile technology have expanded language learning opportunities by improving access to language learning through smartphones and tablets. However, adult learners often lack the adequate competencies required for utilizing mobile learning (Sabri et al., 2022). This could be due to a lack of understanding of the advantages and educational affordances inherent in mobile devices and technologies. Although previous studies have revealed some affordances and the learning outcomes of AI technologies in language learning, there are few studies on informal contexts. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic review to explore new trends in the features, affordances, and learning outcomes of MALL with regard to the integration of AI technology. The findings show that AI has introduced new features, such as recognition, generation, and conversational interaction, to the existing MALL. These new features have enhanced the affordances of MALL by integrating them with existing features, such as empowering autonomous learning scaffolded by AI and fostering greater engagement through human-AI interaction. Our findings have revealed new insights into how AI may assist adult L2 English learners in informal contexts using MALL.

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Available for download on Thursday, December 31, 2026

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