The Use of Technology in Informal English Language Learning: Evidence from Yemeni Undergraduate Students

Autor/inn/en	Bin-Hady, Wagdi Rashad Ali; Al-Tamimi, Nasser Omer Mubarak
Titel	The Use of Technology in Informal English Language Learning: Evidence from Yemeni Undergraduate Students
Quelle	In: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives, 17 (2021) 2, S.107-120 (14 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2077-5504
DOI	10.1108/LTHE-09-2020-0037
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Undergraduate Students; Technology Uses in Education; Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; English (Second Language); Technology Integration; Informal Education; Learning Strategies; Language Skills; Yemen + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Fremdsprachenunterricht; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Informelle Bildung; Nichtformale Bildung; Learning methode; Learning techniques; Lernmethode; Lernstrategie; Language skill; Sprachkompetenz; Jemen
Abstract	Purpose: This study aims to explore the use of technology-based strategies by Yemeni undergraduate students to develop their English as a foreign language skills in informal learning settings. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed methods research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 110 undergraduate students enrolled at the English Departments in two universities in Yemen. In the first phase of the study, 10 students were interviewed to obtain information about their use of technology to develop their English language skills and subsystems in informal settings. Following the analysis of the interview data, a questionnaire was built to collect quantitative data, and the second phase of the study was carried out with 100 undergraduate students. Findings: The findings revealed that students developed four technology-based strategies that they used in informal settings. These strategies included using social media, being inspired by someone, accessing social networks and websites. Students reported that these strategies helped them develop their listening, speaking and reading skills, while they also reported that their vocabulary was enhanced over grammar and pronunciation. Research limitations/implications: The study findings can be of benefit not only for helping to raise students' awareness of informal learning strategies to develop their English skills outside the classroom but also for teachers to rethink the importance of integrating technology tools and digital resources in their teaching practice. The results could also guide curriculum designers to augment textbook materials by integrating technology-based informal learning strategies. Originality/value: This is the first study on this topic conducted in the context of higher education in Yemen and offers unique insights into informal learning practices of Yemeni students. In addition, the findings of the study open new dimensions for rethinking the classification of language learning strategies to include those that are technology-based and mainly useful for independent informal learning. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01