Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Education
Supervisor
Dr. Immaculate Namukasa
Abstract
Learning apps are becoming ubiquitous in and out of the classroom. While the number of ESL learnings apps has been increasing dramatically, not much information is available for teachers and learners to evaluate the quality of these apps. The purpose of this study was to explore the apps that are most commonly recommended for language learning, investigate features of commonly recommended ESL learning apps, and develop an app evaluation tool that might inform selection of ESL learning apps for use in teaching or recommendations to parents and learners. This study used qualitative content analysis to study selected vocabulary learning apps. Findings show that there is a lack of ESL reading and writing apps, and the selected apps do not have all the exemplar app features in curriculum, pedagogy, and design. The author developed an app evaluation checklist based on the existing literature, Ontario ESL curriculum, and on the emergent app features in the findings. The findings of this study have potential to guide administrators, policy makers, educators, teachers, and individual learners when selecting quality, productive, and well-designed apps.
Recommended Citation
Liang, Luyi, "Exploring Language Learning with Mobile Technology: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Vocabulary Learning Apps for ESL Learners in Canada" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5763.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5763