LRNT 506: M-Learning Application for Second Language Acquisition

M-Learning Application for Second Language Acquisition
Assignment2: the literature review
LRNT 506
January 10, 2016
Literature Review
Theoretical frameworks
The theoretical background for this research is rooted in two theories: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and the socio-cultural theory (SCT). TAM has been utilized in measuring, predicting, and explaining the behaviour of people with regard to their rejection or acceptance following the introduction of new technology (Davis, 1989; Davis, Bagozzi, & Warshaw, 1989). The Technology Acceptance Model suggests that the perceived ease of utilization and usefulness affect the attitude of users towards using technologies in the process of learning (Huang, Lin, & Chuang, 2007). In this research, Technology Acceptance Model is appropriate as it would be used in measuring, predicting and explaining learners’ acceptance of mobile devices and technologies in learning a second language – that is, in second language acquisition. Socio-cultural theory is also relevant to this research. SCT is rooted in Vygotskian thought, and it is essentially a theory regarding the development of human cognitive, as well as higher mental, function (Lantolf, 2006). SCT postulates that the growth of human cognitive as well as higher mental function originates from social interactions. A child’s early language learning, from a social-cultural perspective, is due to processes of meaning-making in joint activity with other individuals of a particular culture. The principles of SCT are applicable to second language acquisition: learning is entrenched in social events and occur as the individual interacts with others individuals, events, as well as objects within the environment (Lantolf, 2006). The knowledge of Socio-Cultural Theory could be useful for educators to determine and develop ways of setting up activities and tasks that could allow for the facilitation of language learning, for instance by employing Mobile Learning or mLearning.
Review of literature
A more recent change in the teaching of English language has certainly been the utilization of tablets and mobile phones in language learning. By using the phones, learners get to learn the fundamental aspects of conversational English (Kim, 2012). In the context of learning, the usage of mobile devices such as cellphones and tablets is referred to as mobile assisted language learning (Krashen, 1981). The concept of mLearning has permeated through people because of its mobility in accessing knowledge and information across space and time. There is a mounting body of literature on mLearning. MLearning is rapidly securing its place in the contexts of language learning. A vital area that needs to be considered during the implementation of any new mLearning technology is the willingness of the users to utilize the new technology effectively. There are balancing areas for this perspective: these are learner training and instructor education (Wu, 2015). Instructors who plan to include technology in their curriculum require knowledge of technological pedagogical content. Such knowledge for language educators entails pedagogical and technological knowledge and skills particularly for their discipline (Krashen, 1981...