Toys to Tools: A Glimpse into Mobile Phones in the EFL Classroom – A Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54855/acoj.231416Keywords:
mobile phones, digital immigrants, challenges, pleasures, philosophical issuesAbstract
Mobile technologies, particularly cell phones and smartphones, are presented as an appealing opportunity to progress in the teaching-learning process, contributing to remarkable success while minimizing learning difficulties. This paper was based on the findings of a laborious research project including 71 students from three classes at the College of Foreign Economic Relations (COFER) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A comprehensive survey, a face-to-face interview, and careful observation with a student focus group were used to conduct the extensive investigation. The findings revealed a generally positive attitude toward this technology, which meets the needs and preferences of the students. The study has three distinct goals: (1) to thoroughly investigate some of the new challenges and deep joys associated with cell phones in EFL classrooms; (2) to fully consider both the practical and more fundamental philosophical issues at hand. Finally, a thorough discussion (3) provides a plausible explanation for the unexpected results as well as broad directions for future research.
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