Mobile Phone Apps: An Emerging E-Platform for Vocabulary Learning and Retention

Abstract

Emerging mobile technology appears to have promising attributes that can extend students learning opportunities beyond classroom environments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using mobile phones on Grade 11 students’ vocabulary learning, and retention.  The sample of the study consisted of 46 students selected randomly from two Post Basic education schools in Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman. The experimental class included 22 students and the control group had 24 students.  The control group received the vocabulary exercises, and relevant feedback in printed-based format, while the experimental group received both the vocabulary exercises and feedback via the mobile application (Ko-Su). A vocabulary test (pre-test, immediate post-test, delayed post-test) were used to collect data needed to answer the research questions. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in vocabulary achievement between students who learned vocabulary through mobile phones and students who learned vocabulary in the conventional way. However, the experimental group outperformed the control group in the delayed post-test. Based on the findings of this study it can be argued that mobile phones can provide effective platforms for extending the students' learning landscape. The researchers suggest that further studies in this area should consider more demographic and contextual variables in relation to various attributes of Apps and mobile devises.