The academic paper titled "Smart-Phone Assisted Language Learning in a Public University in Saudi Arabia" by Karem Abdelatif Ahmed Mohamed and Tanzina Halim focuses on examining the use of smartphones in language learning among EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers and learners at King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia. The primary research question centers on understanding the attitudes, perceptions, proficiency levels, and challenges associated with smartphone-assisted language learning (SALL).
The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which EFL teachers and learners are equipped to use SALL effectively and to determine if the experience of teachers influences their proficiency in using such technology. The study also seeks to identify the challenges that both groups face in incorporating SALL into their educational practices.
The methodology employed in the study involved the use of two questionnaires distributed among a sample of 45 EFL teachers and 68 EFL learners. These questionnaires were designed to gather quantitative data on the participants' attitudes, perceptions, and experiences with SALL. The study utilized descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to analyze the data.
The key findings of the study reveal that both EFL teachers and learners generally hold positive perceptions of SALL, recognizing its benefits in enhancing language learning and teaching. However, the study also found that many teachers lack the necessary skills to fully utilize SALL, and several challenges were identified, including internet connectivity issues, small screen sizes, and the lack of appropriate software. Moreover, the study observed significant differences in SALL proficiency based on teachers' professional development and teaching experience, but no significant differences were found based on gender.
The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of professional development in SALL for EFL teachers at King Khalid University. It suggests that improving teachers' proficiency in using smartphones for language learning could help them overcome the challenges identified. The paper also highlights the need for educational institutions to provide adequate training and resources to support the successful implementation of SALL in EFL contexts. The findings are considered significant as they offer insights into improving language teaching and learning through mobile technology in Saudi Arabia.