Tools for Research May 26, 2023

APPS in
Second Language
learning
Judith Carretero, Laura Ortiz and Enric Fernández
 Index

Research questions
Aims Literature review Methodology
+ hypothesis

Results
Data analysis Conclusion References
+ discussion
Aims To determine how often and for how long students
use language apps to learn a second language.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES. Understanding why students choose to use these

apps and what they think about their effectiveness.

Also learn about any difficulties they face while

using the apps.

By collecting this information, the questionnaire hopes to learn more about

students' app usage, opinions, and preferences. This data can help improve the
design of language apps and the way they are taught.
Literature Gunther et al (2016):.

review
Gamification of Language Learning Apps

Heil. C et al (2016):
What type of ''language'' does
Language Learning Apps teach?

They both agree that Language Learning apps are

too impersonal and do not take into account societal contexts..
Research How many people use language apps to learn
another language? (+ frequency)

questions What factors influence the use of language apps

for learning another language?

Do students find language apps helpful in learning

another language? (Also difficulties, challenges,...)

What app features would students change to

improve their language learning experience?
Hypothesis

Students prefer language apps for easy and convenient

language learning. More app use = improved skills.

Usage is related to reasons why they use it, app performance,

and its features.

Despite challenges, apps are seen effective compared to

traditional methods.
Methodology
Use of Questionnaires

These surveys had:

TOOL USED FOR DATA COLLECTION Close-ended questions (Measuring Data)
AND ANALYSIS Open-ended questions (Explaining their
reasoning for the close-ended questions
or Language Learning Apps themselves)

We sent the survey to:

COIL students
Spanish people of different age ranges
(from 18 to 25+)
Surveys
 Data analysis

Mostly 19 or +25 (91,9% Spain 5,4%

2 Google Forms
USA, 2,7% Ukraine)
2 language option 73% have used a language
37 answers learning app to acquire a L2
(15 ENG, 22 CAT)

Data analysis
4. How often do you use language learning 7. Have you noticed any improvements in your L2
apps to study your L2? proficiency since using language learning apps?

Daily
Yes
5.4%
Several times a week 13.5%
13.5% Some
32.4%
Once a week
2.7%

Ocasionally No
78.4% 54.1%
Data analysis
6. What factors influenced your decision to use language learning apps for your L2 studies?

Cost
24.2% Convenience and
flexibility

Additional answers:
39.4% Advertising
I don't use them
Duolingo was popular among my friends, so I
tried it out

36.4% As a supplement to my
language classes
Data analysis
8. Do you prefer language learning apps to traditional language classes for studying your L2? (1 Agree, 5
Disagree)

Strongly
agree
9. If you agree with the previous statement
Strongly 8.3%
disagree Agree explain briefly why:
27.8% 16.7%
I need a teacher to solve my doubts
More practical for the time
Proximity

Neutral
Disagree 22.2%
25%
Data analysis
10. Have you encountered any difficulties or challenges while using language learning apps for your L2
studies? A 8.1% of the respondents found diffculties or challenges while using them.

Yes
11. If you said "yes" to the previous question,
8.1%
mention those difficulties?
If you said "yes" to the previous question,
mention those difficulties?
Limited and impersonal applications. Sometimes
it is difficult to find resources to start a new
language, or if you have a low level. A little
"scaffolding" would be missing..
No help if I have specific questions
No
91.9%
Data analysis
11. Do you feel that language learning apps provide enough speaking and listening practice to help
improve your L2 communication skills?

No, they do not help me improve Yes, they are effective

19.4% 19.4%

It depends on the app

61.1%
Data analysis A 8.1% of the respondents found diffculties
or challenges while using language learning apps.

14. What features or tools would you like to see added to language learning apps to enhance your L2
learning experience?

Live chat with native speakers.

Interactions with other people.
More self-correction exercises.
Chat with a professor.
More theory (effective feedback).
Individualization of contents (e.g. specific vocabulary according to the context in which the person usually
moves)
Alternative communication and augmentation for people with SACC communication difficulties/disability
More variety of exercices (games, speakings, writings, listenings and reading practice).
 Results & Discussion
Literature research
Teaching vocabulary as isolated words rather than
in a contextualized manner.
No grammar instruction.
Language learning apps that incorporate game
elements offer learners opportunities to develop
transferable skills such as listening and speaking
practices applicable to real-world social practices.
Lack of an instructor.
Lack of feedback on the activities.
Lack of interaction with other participants.
Our research
Speakers also demand more theoretical classes.
Lack of grammar instruction in some apps.
Speakers also suggested more specific vocabulary
according to their context.
For half of the speakers, the speaking and listening
practice was not enough but for the other half it was
effective.
Request for more variety of exercises (games,
speakings, writings, listenings, and reading practice).
Lack of an instructor.
Lack of feedback on the activities.
Lack of interaction with other participants.
 Amount of people that use rarely Language Learning Apps.

Most respondents found Language Learning Apps obsolete

and would rather use normal classes.

Conlusion Struggled with close-ended questions

Language Learning Apps still lack metalinguistic factors,

individualization, and a more ‘’personal’’ design

COIL project was helpful in making this project.

Even if people may use these applications as a more ‘’flexible’’

way to learn languages, there is still a lot of room to improve.
References
Heil, C. R., Wu, J. S., Lee, J. J., & Schmidt, T. (2016). A review of mobile language learning applications:
Trends, challenges, and opportunities. The EuroCALL Review, 24(2), 32-50.
Gunter, G. A., Campbell, L. O., Braga, J., Racilan, M., & Souza, V. V. S. (2016). Language learning apps or
games: an investigation utilizing the RETAIN model. Revista Brasileira de Linguística Aplicada, 16, 209-235.
 Thank
you for
your
attention